tighten up

Definitions

1. 1

   To make sufficiently tight.

2. 2

   To fix something or make it correct.

   • As noted in the last chapter, you should tighten up your argument and prose when you revise the first draft for substantive change.
   • He might do a third cut of silage, or he'd tighten up around the place in preparation for the winter, or he'd be still going off doing blocklaying jobs.
3. 3

   To become tense and restrained.

   • You must follow every change because every change affects your play. If another player loses a big pot, you must ask yourself how this will affect his play. Will he go on tilt? Will he tighten up?
   • He could feel himself tighten up as he prepared himself to ask her.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To become, or make, more stringent and ungenerous.

      • The church was tighening up on matters sexual. Until the middle of the tenth century it had been quite routine for priests to be married.
   2. 5

      To become focused and serious

      To become focused and serious; to stop any vacillation or inconsistency.

      • Plainly winter was at hand. "Just as well we started when we did," said Bill. "No tellin' when she'll tighten up." "May do it any time," Sam agreed.
      • You need to tighten up and stop being so fuckin' emotional for one in your life.

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