tune-up

American  

[toon-uhp, tyoon-] / ˈtunˌʌp, ˈtyun- /

noun

1. an adjustment, as of a motor, to improve working order or condition.

   The car needs a tune-up badly.

2. Informal. a preparatory activity or warm-up, as before a contest or game.

   The track meet served as a tune-up for the Olympics.

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tune up British  

verb

1. to adjust (a musical instrument) to a particular pitch, esp a standard one

2. (esp of an orchestra or other instrumental ensemble) to tune (instruments) to a common pitch

3. (tr) to adjust (an engine) in (a car, etc) to improve performance

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noun

1. adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance

tune up Idioms  

1. Adjust machinery so it is in proper condition, as in I took the car in to be tuned up. [Early 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of tune-up

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase tune up

Example Sentences

Thanks to tune-up efforts from Walker, many of the guitars headed to auction are fully operational in the hopes that their buyers can do the same.

From Los Angeles Times

The two teams now head into the fifth match on Saturday, the final tune-up ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

From Barron's

He was expected to return in a low-key tune-up.

From BBC

So does what appears to be a money-making tune-up fight against Paul undermine how seriously he will be taken in future?

From BBC

They get a good tune-up for the Division 1 playoffs with a matchup against Orange Lutheran on Sept. 18, a team they lost to last season 33-26.

From Los Angeles Times