spruce up (or spruce-up)
verb phrase

- to make someone or something cleaner and tidier or to improve his, her, or its appearance generally

The Cambridge Dictionary

—
PHRASE ORIGIN

The adjective "spruce" first appeared in English in the 1580s, derived from "spruce leather" or "spruce cloth," which were terms used to describe high-quality leather and cloth that originated in Prussia. As the reputation of Prussian products grew, the word "spruce" came to be associated with neatness, tidiness, and smartness.

In the 17th century, the verb "to spruce" emerged, meaning "to make neat or smart in appearance." This verb was often used to describe the grooming of people, but it could also be applied to the appearance of objects. For example, one might "spruce up" one's hair or clothes, or one might "spruce up" a room or a garden.

Over time, the phrase "spruce up" became a general term for making something look better. Today, it is used in a variety of contexts, including:

- Making yourself look more attractive: "She spruced up for her date."

- Cleaning up your surroundings: "I'm going to spruce up my room this weekend."

- Giving something a new lease on life: "We're going to have to spruce up our website in 2024.”

The phrase "spruce up" is a nice reminder of how language can evolve over time and pick up new meanings along the way.

—
TALKING OF TREES

A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea, a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the family Pinaceae, found abundantly in the northern temperate regions of the Earth.

In his best-selling book "The Hidden Life of Trees," Peter Wohlleben explores the social world of trees and the fascinating ways they communicate with each other and with the surrounding environment. Wohlleben argues that trees are not the solitary creatures we often perceive them to be, but rather complex and interconnected beings that form vast social networks underground. These networks allow trees to share resources, such as water and nutrients, and to warn each other of threats, such as pests or diseases.

Wohlleben also describes the intelligence and adaptability of trees. He recounts how trees can sense the presence of danger and respond accordingly, such as by producing chemicals that deter pests or by changing the structure of their roots to better support their weight in a strong wind. He argues that trees are not simply plants but rather sentient beings that deserve our respect and care. His book is a call to action to protect these remarkable organisms and to create a world where trees can thrive.

"The Hidden Life of Trees” Peter Wohlleben (Greystone Books)

—-
SYNONYMS

add polish, beautify, brighten/brush/buff up, burnish, doll/dress up, embellish, gild, give a face lift (fresh coat of paint, new lease on life, touch of glamour), jazz up, look sharp, overhaul, polish up, put on one's sunday best, put our best foot forward, red carpet ready, refashion, refresh, regenerate, rejuvenate, remake, remodel, revamp, revitalize, slick up, smarten/spiff up, SPRUCE UP, touch up, vamp up

—
SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“How we can SPRUCE UP our entrance hall — first impressions are so important.”

—
HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations.

Every month, I spend evening and weekend hours with my family researching and writing your daily OWAD. It remains FREE, AD-free, and ALIVE thanks to voluntary donations from appreciative readers.

If you aren’t already, please also consider supporting us - even the equivalent of a single cup of coffee a month will help us cover mailing, site hosting, and maintenance costs. Just head over to our DonorBox page:

https://donorbox.org/please-become-a-friend-of-owad-5-3

or bank transfer to Paul Smith
IBAN: DE75 7316 0000 0002 5477 40
Please use your email-address as ‘Verwendungszweck’

Thank you,

Paul