tune up meaning: definition, quotations

tune up

verbalso spelled tune-up

To make adjustments (to an engine or bicycle drivetrain) in order to improve its performance.

To make preparations for vigorous exercise; to warm up.

To begin to sing or play music.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music To tune one's instrument in preparation for performance.

By this time the theatre had practically filled and the orchestra was tuning up for the overture.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:

US, Idiomatic To beat up (someone).

“We finally stopped roustin' him and decided to tune him up instead, every chance we got.” “Tune him up?” “Yeah, that's an expression for beatin' the living dog shit outta somebody.”2007, Michael Berish, Reflections from the Pit, →ISBN:
“I mean, I had to tune her up a bit. She bitched a lot and never did any work. Sometimes, you know, you just gotta get their attention, whack 'em a little."2015, Joe Peters, Bill Fleming, Code Black, →ISBN, page 264:

1 more example

[T]hey couldn't tune him up because the murder had to look like he died in his sleep.2017, Jeff Gulvin, The Contract: A John Q Thriller, →ISBN:

noun

US /ˈtunˌʌp/

A series of adjustments to an engine in order to improve its performance

A series of preparations for vigorous exercise; a warm-up

A match or race (frequently one exhibition in nature) contested as preparation for a match or race of high stakes.