smarten up
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Could have the game for Australia, but needs to smarten up.
From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025
“I would like to see people smarten up so that we don’t have to have a mandate in the first place,” she said.
From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2021
This will not only smarten up the tree but, more importantly, also leave a small, clean wound that will heal more quickly.
From Washington Post • Aug. 3, 2021
It’s also a self-protective reflex in the workplace: there’s vindication in seeing a boss who’s always telling others to smarten up wearing her sweater inside-out.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2018
Pretty soon they smarten up, and Blade says, "Smaller rocks! Get me smaller rocks!" and I know in my heart we're doomed.
From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick
