Phrase guide

lawyer up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To exercise one's right to legal representation; to engage the services of a lawyer.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • You'd better lawyer up!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To conduct matters in accord with legal formalities or so as to avoid legal risk.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, informal, intransitive

Topics: business

Examples

  • Whenever we do business with those guys, we lawyer up to protect ourselves.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To arrange in a way reflecting legal advice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Topics: business

Examples

  • By the time we finished lawyering up the agreement, we didn't want to sign it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: korzystać z usług prawnika — to engage the services of a lawyer
  • Polish: skorzystać z usług prawnika — to engage the services of a lawyer
  • Polish: działać zgodnie z prawem — to conduct matters in accord with legal formalities
  • Polish: przygotowywać zgodnie z prawem — to arrange in a way reflecting legal advice
  • Polish: przygotować zgodnie z prawem — to arrange in a way reflecting legal advice