tune-up

[ toon-uhp, tyoon- ]

noun

1. an adjustment, as of a motor, to improve working order or condition:

   The car needs a tune-up badly.

2. Informal. a preparatory activity or warm-up, as before a contest or game:

   The track meet served as a tune-up for the Olympics.

tune up

verb

1. to adjust (a musical instrument) to a particular pitch, esp a standard one
2. (esp of an orchestra or other instrumental ensemble) to tune (instruments) to a common pitch
3. tr to adjust (an engine) in (a car, etc) to improve performance

noun

1. adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of tune-up¹

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase tune up

Idioms and Phrases

Adjust machinery so it is in proper condition, as in I took the car in to be tuned up . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Roigard took an early dint in the destruction derby of Test rugby, but, patched up and tuned up, he looks set to hit clean air.

From BBC

He reached the 2022 French Open semi-finals, retiring against Nadal after a nasty fall which led to a serious ankle injury, and tuned up this year by winning the Rome title earlier this month.

From BBC

“He’d be all over the place with us, telling us how to tune up. His famous term was ‘Treble up, boys!’

From Los Angeles Times

Zverev, 27, is one of the favourites for the title and tuned up by winning the Italian Open last week.

From BBC

Ethan Schiefelbein, tuning up for the pressure of the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, gave up five hits, struck out four and walked one.

From Los Angeles Times