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Glite Dictionary
to mix it up

to mix it up

32 3.5
Change your routine to make it more interesting
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
: variar
  • To keep your workout interesting, try to mix it up by changing your routine every few weeks.
  • mix things up
  • mix things up a bit
  • mix it up a little

OK, another home Reno before we mixed it up with some drama.

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Examples

Synonyms

to spice up
vsto mix it up
  • Informal
38 3.9

To make something more interesting or exciting

adds variety mainly to refresh a routine rather than just excite
to shake things up
vsto mix it up
  • Informal
28 4.2

Make big changes to try to create excitement or improvement

brings smaller variety changes focused on freshness rather than upheaval
to vary
vsto mix it up
17 2.6

Make something a little different

introduces variety specifically to make things fresher or more interesting
to jazz up
vsto mix it up
  • Informal
9 5.1

Make something more interesting and lively, like a room or outfit

focuses on refreshing by adding variety rather than stylish excitement
to juice up
vsto mix it up
  • Informal
8 6.7

Make an event like a party more lively and exciting

aims to add variety for freshness rather than intense energy

Antonyms

to standardize
  • US
13 4.2

To make things the same by using one set of rules

How Varied

to shake up
  • Informal
95 4.3
to liven up
  • Informal
19 3.9
to mix it up
  • Informal
32 3.5
to vary
17 2.6
to change
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

mix it up infinitive
mixed it up past
mixed it up past participle
mixing it up present participle
mixes it up third person singular

Morphology

mix + it + up

The meaning 'to add variety or bring change' is directly derivable from the constituents: 'mix' (combine/change), 'it' (the thing or situation), and the particle 'up' (an intensifying/completive particle that indicates alteration). This verb + particle construction is a common compositional pattern (cf. 'change it up', 'shake it up') and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows the individual words.

Etymology

Mix it up comes from the simple image of mixing things up, like a cook stirring different ingredients or a DJ blending songs to make something new, and that picture helps you remember the idea. So to mix it up today means to change what you normally do or 'add variety'.