tune up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To adjust the pitch or intonation of a musical instrument so that it produces the correct notes.
- To make small adjustments to a machine or engine so that it operates at optimal performance.
Usage and Examples
Verb (adjusting a musical instrument):
- The violinist will tune up her violin before the concert.
- It's important to tune up the piano regularly to maintain its sound quality.
Verb (adjusting a machine or engine):
- I need to tune up my car's engine before the long road trip.
- The technician came to tune up the heating system for the winter.
Advanced Usage
- "to tune up" (intransitive, for a group of musicians): Refers to the act of musicians adjusting their instruments together before a performance.
- The orchestra began to tune up, creating a cacophony of sound before the conductor arrived.
Variants and Related Words
Tune (verb): The base verb meaning to adjust the pitch of a musical instrument or to adjust a receiver to a specific frequency.
- Please tune the guitar to standard E.
- He tuned the radio to his favorite station.
Tuning (noun): The process or result of making such adjustments.
- The tuning of the engine improved its fuel efficiency.
Tune-up (noun): A session or instance of tuning something, especially a vehicle's engine.
- My car is due for its 50,000-mile tune-up.
Synonyms
- Adjust: To change or move something slightly to improve its position, performance, or accuracy.
- Calibrate: To mark or adjust a measuring instrument so that it can be used accurately.
- Fine-tune: To make very small, precise adjustments for optimal performance.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Tune in: To adjust a radio or television to receive a particular broadcast.
- Don't forget to tune in to the news at 9 PM.
Tune out: To stop listening or paying attention.
- He tends to tune out during long meetings.
Related Idioms
In tune: Functioning harmoniously or in agreement; (of an instrument) having the correct pitch.
- The team was perfectly in tune and won the championship.
- The piano is finally in tune.
Out of tune: Not functioning harmoniously; (of an instrument) not having the correct pitch.
- His views are out of tune with the company's values.
- The guitar sounds terrible because it's out of tune.
Verb
- adjust the pitches of (musical instruments)
- My piano needs to be tuned
- adjust for (better) functioning
- tune the engine