Tighten up
verb
To make or become tight or tighter.
When the dress was too loose, she had to tighten up the straps.
Often appears as...
- tighten up the screws
- tighten up the belt
verb
To make something more strict or secure.
The government decided to tighten up security at the airport.
Often appears as...
- tighten up security
- tighten up regulations
verb
To improve or increase in efficiency.
The company decided to tighten up its operations to increase profits.
Often appears as...
- tighten up operations
- tighten up production
Usage tips
Business
verb
To make or become tight or tighter.
When the dress was too loose, she had to tighten up the straps.
Often appears as...
- tighten up the screws
- tighten up the belt
verb
To make something more strict or secure.
The government decided to tighten up security at the airport.
Often appears as...
- tighten up security
- tighten up regulations
verb
To improve or increase in efficiency.
The company decided to tighten up its operations to increase profits.
Often appears as...
- tighten up operations
- tighten up production
Usage tips
Business
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Adjustments
Used when describing adjustments to the tightness of material things.
After losing weight, he had to tighten up his belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Tightening
Refers to physically making something more snug, often with hands or tools.
The maintenance crew needed to tighten up the bolts to prevent leaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Easily Overlooked
Sometimes used for small but important adjustments that could easily be forgotten.
I need to tighten up the laces on my sneakers before the race.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Adjustments
Used when describing adjustments to the tightness of material things.
After losing weight, he had to tighten up his belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Tightening
Refers to physically making something more snug, often with hands or tools.
The maintenance crew needed to tighten up the bolts to prevent leaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Easily Overlooked
Sometimes used for small but important adjustments that could easily be forgotten.
I need to tighten up the laces on my sneakers before the race.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Adjustments
Used when describing adjustments to the tightness of material things.
After losing weight, he had to tighten up his belt.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Tightening
Refers to physically making something more snug, often with hands or tools.
The maintenance crew needed to tighten up the bolts to prevent leaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Easily Overlooked
Sometimes used for small but important adjustments that could easily be forgotten.
I need to tighten up the laces on my sneakers before the race.
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