screw up

Definition

To tighten or secure with screws.

Example Sentences

• "A crunch on the gravel brought me back to the present. A triffid came swaying down the drive toward the gate. I leaned across and screwed up the window."
• "As far as was possible he kept his subjects as mindless fighting-cocks, troops that could be promised to one power if there was a chance of screwing up another power to a bigger subsidy."
• "trying to screw up enough courage to ask her out"