harden up

verb

intr nautical to tighten the sheets of a sailing vessel so as to prevent luffing

You're using a different set of muscles when you walk; until they harden up, you'll have some assorted Charley horses.

I've seen lots of young fellows harden up—some of 'em just as green an' useless when they came as you are now.

These should harden up on the outside, and make a delicious confection.

Must harden up first in the sea; and then, please the gods, Ill climb with you.

But I spozed that her brain would harden up on this subject when she got more familiar with it––they generally do.

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