Cock up
/ˈkɒk ʌp/B1
PreIntermediate
1. To make an error or fail to do something correctly.
- I really cocked up the presentation at the meeting today.
- We cocked up the report by submitting the wrong data.
- He's known to cock up any job he's given due to lack of attention to detail.
- It's a shame they cocked up the order and sent us the wrong items.
- The restaurant cocked up our reservation, so we had to wait for a table.
2. To spoil or ruin something due to incompetence or carelessness.
- The new starter cocked up the accounts, costing the company a lot.
- She cocked up her chances of winning the scholarship with her poor essay.
- Despite having good intentions, he cocked up the surprise by revealing it accidentally.
- The team cocked up the project by ignoring key requirements.
- Her mismanagement cocked up the event, leading to complaints from guests.
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