key up

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to raise the intensity, excitement, tension, etc, of

Idioms and Phrases

Make intense, excited, or nervous. For example, The excitement of the gallery opening has really keyed her up. This usage alludes to key in the sense of “wind up a spring-driven mechanism such as a clock.” [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Did you move the key up a perfect fourth?

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In transposing down to the key of D major, you need to raise the A natural in the key up a half step, to A sharp.

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Lee County School District is starting a three-week “Key Up for Kindergarten” program.

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It was George who had the idea of stationing Stuart inside the piano to push the key up the second it was played.

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“I couldn’t key up” on the radio, Deputy Brian Hayes said, describing his attempts to call paramedics to help the injured.

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Related Words

• abet 
• agitate 
• arouse 
• encourage 
• exhort 
• foment 
• inflame 
• inspire 
• instigate 
• motivate 
• prompt 
• provoke 
• rouse 
• set off 
• spur 
• trigger 
• urge 
• whip up