tighten up
The phrase "tighten up" has versatile meanings, often implying making something more secure, efficient, or strict.
Definition
B1General
(common)To make something more secure or firm by applying pressure or tension.
Example
- He needs to tighten up the screws on the chair.
B2Work
(common)To improve the efficiency, organization, or discipline of a process or system.
Example
- We need to tighten up our procedures to meet the deadline.
C1Law
(formal)To become stricter or more stringent in enforcing rules or standards.
Example
- The government plans to tighten up regulations on emissions.
B1Physical
(common)To reduce slack or looseness in a physical object or system.
Example
- The mechanic tightened up the belt to stop the noise.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tighten up":
firm uptone uploosen upsharpen upshape upstiff upfasten downstraighten uploosening upbrace uphold tighttie uptight as a drumflex uptie downhang tightnut uplengthen upamp uphigh and tighttake up the slackskinny uppump upbatten downbulk uptight loopfix upharden uptight squeezerein upstraighten outbelt uptight as a ticklimber upbind upsmarten upcrank uppolish upseize upbuff upsoften upbear downlighten upget a griptight endtool uptuck uptune uploose offhot upmuscled upslim downwork updarken upplump upbuckle updo uptight fiveamped uplock upnail downease upfatten upbutch upturn up the heatruck upbrighten upheat upget it upfit upspruce upbuck upperk upvamp upgear upbuckle inknuckle downtight spotget sturdyknuckle uptape upfree upsack upbrass uppull up on