crank up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To start or operate something by turning a crank: This refers to the physical action of using a crank handle to start an engine or machine.
- To increase the level, intensity, or amount of something: This figurative meaning refers to making something more powerful, louder, or more active.
Usage and Examples
Verb (Literal - to start with a crank):
- He had to crank up the old tractor before he could use it.
- Before electric starters, drivers would crank up their cars by hand.
Verb (Figurative - to increase):
- Let's crank up the volume on the stereo!
- The factory will crank up production to meet the new demand.
- We need to crank up the pressure on them to finish the project.
Advanced Usage
"to crank up the heat": To increase pressure or intensity in a situation.
- The coach cranked up the heat during practice to prepare the team for the finals.
"to crank it up a notch": To increase the level or intensity of something significantly.
- The band cranked it up a notch for the final song of the concert.
Variants and Related Words
- Crank (noun): A handle or arm that is turned to transmit motion.
- He turned the crank to lower the window.
- Crank (verb): To turn a crank.
- She had to crank the lever several times.
Synonyms
- Amplify: To increase the strength or amount of (especially sound).
- Boost: To help or encourage to increase or improve.
- Intensify: To become or make more intense.
- Rev up: To increase the speed of an engine or, figuratively, any activity.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Crank out: To produce something in a mechanical, rapid, and often large quantity.
- The author cranked out three novels last year.
Related Idioms
- To crank someone's chain (or crank someone up): To tease or annoy someone intentionally.
- He's just cranking your chain; don't take him seriously.
Verb
- rotate with a crank
- start by cranking
- crank up the engine