Grammar fix
wash up
wash dishes
In British English, to wash plates, cups, pans and other kitchen items after a meal.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I'll wash up while you put the leftovers away.
At home, I usually wash up straight after dinner because I hate waking up to a messy kitchen.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I'll do the wash-up after dinner.
Say: I'll wash up after dinner. / I'll do the washing-up after dinner.
'Wash up' is a verb; the noun is 'the washing-up'. In US English, 'wash up' more often means wash yourself.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Clean plates and cups after a meal
Where commonAmericanBritish
do the dishesEspecially American, also understood and used elsewhere.
wash upYou're here · British: wash dishes; American usage often means washing yourself.
do the washing-upThe usual British expression for washing dirty dishes.