harden up
(intr) nautical to tighten the sheets of a sailing vessel so as to prevent luffing
Words Nearby harden up
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
How to use harden up in a sentence
You're using a different set of muscles when you walk; until they harden up, you'll have some assorted Charley horses.
The Colors of Space | Marion Zimmer BradleyI've seen lots of young fellows harden up—some of 'em just as green an' useless when they came as you are now.
The Boy With the U. S. Foresters | Francis Rolt-WheelerThese should harden up on the outside, and make a delicious confection.
Candy-Making at Home | Mary M. WrightMust harden up first in the sea; and then, please the gods, Ill climb with you.
The Life and Letters of Lafcadio Hearn, Volume 2 | Elizabeth BislandBut I spozed that her brain would harden up on this subject when she got more familiar with it––they generally do.
Around the World with Josiah Allen's Wife | Marietta Holley
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