button something up Definition

button
noun

1. A small round piece of metal or plastic, etc sewn on to a piece of clothing, which fastens it by being passed through a buttonhole.
2. A small round disc pressed to operate a door or bell, etc.

Example: Press the button to call the lift
Form: push button (sometimes)
3. A small round object worn as decoration or a badge.
4. Any small round object more or less like a button.
5. Anything of small value.

Example: His word is not worth a button

verb buttoned, buttoning

1. To fasten or close it using a button or buttons.

Thesaurus: close, clasp, fasten.
Form: button something up (usually)
intr
2. To be capable of being fastened with buttons or a button.

Example: This dress buttons at the back

Idiom: buttoned up

Successfully arranged; safely in one's possession.

Said of a person: unwilling to talk about something; uncommunicative.

Idiom: on the button

colloq
Exactly right or correct; spot on.
Thesaurus: correctly, precisely, accurately, exactly, on target.

Etymology: &clock; 14c as botoun: from French bouton any small projection, from bouter to push.

Phrasal Verb: button up

To stop talking; to shut up.

Phrasal Verb: button something up

To bring it to a successful conclusion.