tone up
The phrase "tone up" is commonly used in fitness to describe making muscles firmer and more defined, but it can also apply to improving the quality or intensity of other attributes.
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Definition
B1Fitness
(common)To make muscles firmer and more defined through exercise.
Example
- She goes to the gym regularly to tone up her muscles.
- This workout routine will help you tone up and build strength.
B2General
(common)To enhance the overall condition or effectiveness of something.
Example
- He decided to tone up his writing skills by taking a creative writing class.
- The manager's speech was intended to tone up the team's morale.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tone up":
tighten upfirm upshape upbuff upbulk upsharpen upskinny upamp upslim downwork uptune upkeep fitwork outfit upmuscled uplimber upin shapeflex upwarm uppump uptone downlengthen updo upheat upfatten uploosen upskinny downpolish uptouch upstraighten upstiff upfix upvamp upperk uphot upbuild upsex upbulk outbrace upflex one's musclesspruce up