trump up

verb

1. tr, adverb to concoct or invent (a charge, accusation, etc) so as to deceive or implicate someone

Idioms and Phrases

Concoct fraudulently, fabricate, as in They trumped up a charge of conspiracy , or She had trumped up another excuse for not doing the work . This expression, first recorded in 1695, uses trump in the sense of “devise fraudulently,” a usage otherwise obsolete.

Example Sentences

Obsequious menials might even set the dogs at him, or trump up a charge against him and put him in jail.

From Project Gutenberg

I can trump up some excuse to mother about not staying all night with you, as I intended.

From Project Gutenberg

If we hang around here for another day they'll trump up another fake charge an' clean us out!

From Project Gutenberg

If you haven't, you'd better trump up one together, and I'll send you my attorney to hear it.

From Project Gutenberg

But a lawyer with no cases on hand has to trump up something to advertise himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• build up
• compose
• create
• design
• erect
• establish
• fashion
• forge
• form
• formulate
• found
• manufacture
• organize
• produce
• put up
• set up
• shape