loosen up

The phrase "loosen up" is commonly used to describe the act of becoming more relaxed, whether emotionally, physically, or procedurally.

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Definition

B2Social Situations

(informal)To become more relaxed and less serious.

Example

  • After a few jokes, the team started to loosen up and enjoy the meeting.
  • She always loosens up after a glass of wine.

B2Physical Activity

(informal, sports)To prepare for physical activity by stretching or exercising.

Example

  • Athletes need to loosen up before a game to prevent injuries.
  • He spends ten minutes loosening up before his workout.

B2Mechanical

(technical)To make something less tight or restricted.

Example

  • You need to loosen up the bolts before removing the wheel.
  • The mechanic loosened up the screws to fix the engine.

C1Procedural

(formal)To make a process or situation less strict or more efficient.

Example

  • The new regulations are meant to loosen up the approval process.
  • They are trying to loosen up the rules to encourage more participation.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "loosen up":

loosening upease uploose offlighten upsoften uplimber uptighten uplet looseflex upcut looseslacken offfree uplengthen uplet oneself gocool outwarm upchill outslack offopen upshake outtake up the slackstretch outlet goscrew looselet outstraighten upfirm upbrace upwind downtake it easytone upshake offstiff upstraighten outgo softcool offgo easyharden upseize upshake downget a gripliven uplet offtake the chill offlet downgrease uplay backcalm down