smarten up v 1: make neat, smart, or trim; "Spruce up your house for Spring"; "titivate the child" [syn: {spruce up}, {spruce}, {titivate}, {tittivate}, {slick up}, {spiff up}] 2: dress and groom with particular care, as for a special occasion; "He spruced up for the party" [syn: {spruce up}, {spruce}, {slick up}]