Cozy up
/ˈkoʊzi ʌp/
phrasal verbB2
Definition
"Cozy up" is a phrase used when people or animals move close together to feel warm, safe, or comfortable. It can also mean to try to become friendly or gain favor with someone, often by being nice or flattering them.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To move close to someone or something to feel warmth or comfort
- •The cat cozyed up next to the fireplace on a cold day.
- •We cozyed up under the blanket to watch the movie.
- •They cozyed up to each other during the chilly evening.
To try to get closer to someone to gain favor or friendship, often in a polite or flattering way
- •He’s cozying up to the boss to get a promotion.
- •She cozyed up to her new classmates to make friends quickly.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "cozy up" like "sit close," but with a warm and comfortable feeling, not just any closeness
- ✓Picture two people sitting near a fire, wrapped in a blanket, feeling warm and safe together
- ✓It's the feeling when you snuggle with a pet or a loved one to feel happy and calm
- ✓Sounds like "cozy up" → imagine putting on a soft, warm sweater (cozy) and moving closer (up) to someone or something
- ✓In stories, characters cozy up by sitting close to share secrets or stay warm on a cold night
- ✓NOT like "push" or "crowd" (which can feel uncomfortable), cozy up is gentle and pleasant closeness
- ✓NOT like "ignore" or "avoid" — cozy up means moving closer, not staying away
- ✓When used about people, cozy up can mean trying to get someone’s trust or friendship by being nice or flattering
Try Other Words
- •Cuddle up: to move close for warmth or comfort (Use when focusing on physical closeness and affection)
- •Befriend: to become friends with someone (Use when focusing on making friends, less about physical closeness)
- •Warm up to: to start liking someone or something more (Use when describing growing friendliness or trust)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "cozy" (comfortable, warm) + "up" (directional particle meaning moving closer or higher)
- •Etymology: "Cozy" comes from old English "cosy," meaning warm and comfortable; "up" adds the sense of movement or approach
- •Historical development: The phrase became common in English to describe both physical closeness for warmth and figurative closeness for friendship or favor
- •Modern usage: Used in everyday speech to describe snuggling or trying to become friendly with someone, sometimes with a hint of trying to gain advantage
Reflect & Connect
•When do you think it is good or bad to "cozy up" to someone? Can it be too much?
•How does the physical feeling of being cozy help people feel closer emotionally?
Fill in the blanks
1.The puppy cozyed up ___ the blanket because it was cold outside.
2.She tried to cozy up ___ the teacher before the exam to ask for help.
3.When people cozy up, they usually want to feel ___ and safe.
4.Cozying up is different from just sitting close because it also shows ___ or friendliness.
5.He cozyed up ___ his boss by complimenting her work often.
6.After a long day, I like to cozy up ___ my favorite chair with a book.
7.If someone is cozying up to you, they might want ___ or support.