sharpen up
To get better at something and make it more exact and impressive.
Meanings
To improve your skills, performance, or technique so they are more precise and effective.
"You'll need to sharpen up your presentation skills before the client meeting."
To become more alert, focused, or mentally acute.
"The cold morning air helped him sharpen up before the big exam."
To make a plan, argument, or piece of writing more focused, clear, and effective.
"The editor asked her to sharpen up the opening chapter before publication."
Used both transitively ('sharpen up your skills') and intransitively ('You need to sharpen up'). Common in sports coaching, business, and educational contexts. Slightly more formal than 'shape up'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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