tune-up

[toon-uhp, tyoon-]

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.

tune up

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

noun

1. adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of tune up¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

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

Warren, who has promoted Fury since his comeback to boxing in 2018 after a two-year hiatus from the sport, dismissed suggestions the Morecambe fighter will take a tune-up fight.

From BBC

Usually, a fighter coming back from retirement eases into the sport with tune-up fights.

From BBC

Fury might take a tune-up or he might dive straight in.

From BBC

As a tune-up for the challenge of India to come later this summer, the home side were not wholly impressive, particularly their seam bowling on the third morning.

From BBC