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crank up

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To turn something up really loud or fast, or to get something started.

Literal meaning: To turn a crank (a handle) to start or increase the speed of a machine — as with an old car engine.

Meanings

1 A2 idiomatic informal

To turn up the volume of music or sound to a high level.

"She cranked up the radio and sang along at the top of her voice."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

To start a machine or engine, especially by turning a crank or activating it.

"He cranked up the old generator to restore power to the cabin."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To increase the level, intensity, or speed of a process or activity significantly.

"The company cranked up production ahead of the holiday season."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in informal speech, especially for turning up music. Also used for starting old engines (from the literal crank on vintage cars) and for increasing production or pressure. Widely used in American and British English.

Commonly used with

music volume engine production pressure heat

Forms

Base
crank up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cranks up
he/she/it
Past simple
cranked up
yesterday
Past participle
cranked up
have + pp
-ing form
cranking up
continuous

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Synonyms

turn up rev up amp up ramp up boost intensify

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