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tach up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

Make an engine spin faster so the needle on the RPM dial goes up

Literal meaning: To make the tachometer (RPM gauge) go up — transparent within the automotive context.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Highly specialized automotive and motorsport slang. Rarely used outside of mechanic, racing, or car enthusiast contexts. Derived from 'tach', informal shortening of 'tachometer'.

Commonly used with

engine RPM motor throttle idle revs

Forms

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

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