1 C1 informal
(Automotive) To increase engine speed, typically measured by a rise in RPM on the tachometer
"The mechanic had the driver tach up to 3,000 RPM to test the engine response."
inseparable
tach up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To increase engine speed, causing the tachometer reading (RPM) to rise
In plain English
Make an engine spin faster so the needle on the RPM dial goes up
What does "tach up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make the tachometer (RPM gauge) go up — transparent within the automotive context.
Actually means
Make an engine spin faster so the needle on the RPM dial goes up
Usage tip
Highly specialized automotive and motorsport slang. Rarely used outside of mechanic, racing, or car enthusiast contexts. Derived from 'tach', informal shortening of 'tachometer'.
Words that pair with "tach up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine RPM motor throttle idle revs
How to conjugate "tach up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tach up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
taches up
he/she/it
Past simple
tached up
yesterday
Past participle
tached up
have + pp
-ing form
taching up
continuous
Hear "tach up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tach up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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