rev up

Idioms  

1. Increase the speed or rate of, enliven, stimulate, as in Bill revved up the motor, or They looked for ways to rev up the ad campaign. The verb rev is an abbreviation for revolution, alluding to the rate of rotation of an engine. The idiom dates from about 1920 and has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

He revved up his real-estate activities, working with a young neighbor to place big, long-term wagers, unusual for a nonagenarian.

From The Wall Street Journal

The rally revved up again after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the beginning of an rate-cutting cycle to ward off danger signs in the labor market.

From The Wall Street Journal

This month’s banking sector turbulence again revved up concerns, as some analysts argued the stress on lenders could pressure the economy just as the Fed’s monetary policy tightening is starting to bite.

From Reuters

During this century, the runaway motor of nuclear irresponsibility has been mostly revved up by the United States.

From Salon

Washington took a quick 5-0 lead to get the home crowd revved up early, but Kansas State didn’t flinch.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• advance
• expedite
• further
• hasten
• open up
• quicken
• spur
• step up
• stimulate