Tune up
verb
To adjust and tweak the performance of a piece of machinery, especially cars, to make it work better.
He's planning to tune up the old car this weekend.
Often appears as...
- tune up a car
- engine tune up
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To adjust a musical instrument before playing so that it produces the correct sound.
The pianist needs a moment to tune up before she begins to play.
Often appears as...
- tune up a guitar
- tune up a piano
verb
To prepare or train for a sport or a physical activity.
I am tuning up for the tennis season.
Often appears as...
- tune up for a race
- tune up for a game
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To improve a skill or ability.
She took a painting class to tune up her skills.
Often appears as...
- tune up a skill
- tune up a talent
verb
To adjust and tweak the performance of a piece of machinery, especially cars, to make it work better.
He's planning to tune up the old car this weekend.
Often appears as...
- tune up a car
- engine tune up
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To adjust a musical instrument before playing so that it produces the correct sound.
The pianist needs a moment to tune up before she begins to play.
Often appears as...
- tune up a guitar
- tune up a piano
verb
To prepare or train for a sport or a physical activity.
I am tuning up for the tennis season.
Often appears as...
- tune up for a race
- tune up for a game
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To improve a skill or ability.
She took a painting class to tune up her skills.
Often appears as...
- tune up a skill
- tune up a talent
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Mechanical Context
Use 'tune up' when discussing mechanical adjustments, usually linked to performance improvement.
The mechanic did a great job tuning up my bike.
Pro Tip 2/3Regular Maintenance
'Tune up' can imply routine maintenance to prevent future problems, not just fixing current ones.
It's time to tune up the lawn mower for summer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
While commonly used for cars, 'tune up' can refer to various machines and equipment.
Your chainsaw will run better if you tune it up.
Pro Tip 1/3Mechanical Context
Use 'tune up' when discussing mechanical adjustments, usually linked to performance improvement.
The mechanic did a great job tuning up my bike.
Pro Tip 2/3Regular Maintenance
'Tune up' can imply routine maintenance to prevent future problems, not just fixing current ones.
It's time to tune up the lawn mower for summer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
While commonly used for cars, 'tune up' can refer to various machines and equipment.
Your chainsaw will run better if you tune it up.
Pro Tip 1/3Mechanical Context
Use 'tune up' when discussing mechanical adjustments, usually linked to performance improvement.
The mechanic did a great job tuning up my bike.
Pro Tip 2/3Regular Maintenance
'Tune up' can imply routine maintenance to prevent future problems, not just fixing current ones.
It's time to tune up the lawn mower for summer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
While commonly used for cars, 'tune up' can refer to various machines and equipment.
Your chainsaw will run better if you tune it up.
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