harden up
The phrase "harden up" is versatile and used in various contexts, including sailing and colloquial speech, often implying resilience or toughness.
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Definition
B2Colloquial
(informal, Australian English)To become more resilient or tough, especially in the face of adversity.
Example
- He needs to harden up if he wants to survive the boot camp.
- The coach told the team to harden up for the final match.
C1Nautical
(technical, sailing)To tighten the sheets of a sailboat to prevent the sails from flapping.
Example
- The skipper ordered the crew to harden up the sails as the wind picked up.
B1General
(idiomatic)To become more solid or firm in texture or consistency.
Example
- Leave the mixture in the fridge to harden up before serving.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "harden up":
soften upnut upstiff upbuck upman upbutch upsharpen upgo hardbear upbrace upsack upfirm uptighten upget sturdybrass uphard as nailssmarten uphard outshape uphard bygrow uptough as nailsknuckle downdarken uploosen upheal upplay hardballhot upruck upbuff up