gum up

verb

1. to cover, dab, or stiffen with gum
2. informal.
   to make a mess of; bungle (often in the phrase gum up the works )

Idioms and Phrases

Ruin or bungle something, as in The front office has gummed up the sales campaign thoroughly . This idiom is also put as gum up the works , as in John's changes in procedures have gummed up the works in the shipping department . [ Slang ; c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Republicans throw up procedural obstacles just to gum up the works and run out the clock.

From The Daily Beast

All of those can gum up the narrative he has crafted so carefully.

From The Daily Beast

But if it ever came down to it I should be able to knock down an airplane, gum up the works on a fusing detonator, maybe even—.

From Project Gutenberg

That was why I objected to it in the first place: 'fraid somebody would lose it and gum up things.

From Project Gutenberg

Explosions and accidents of many kinds are possible with the lamp that is allowed to clog and gum up.

From Project Gutenberg

Always wipe the stone dry after using, as the oil will dry and gum up the grinding surface if not kept clean.

From Project Gutenberg

After the etching has dried remove the same with water, and gum up again.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bungle