punch up
Upper Intermediate (B2)informal
To joke about or criticise people more powerful than you, or to make writing more exciting.
"Satire works best when it punches up — targeting politicians and corporations rather than ordinary people."
Hear it in context
The only workout I do now (takes 40 min)
Matt D'Avella · 9:04
Punch up.
The only workout I do now (takes 40 min)
Matt D'Avella · 11:02
Punch up strong.
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV x SEAN STRICKLAND | Maratona de Lutas Completas
UFC Brasil · 27:34
You punch up there.
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV x SEAN STRICKLAND | Maratona de Lutas Completas
UFC Brasil · 61:16
Hate a punch up top.
Wild vs. Avalanche | NHL Playoff Highlights | Game 1 | May 3, 2026
NHL · 7:52
So after the punch up play by Colton,