tune up
To make sure a musical instrument or car engine is working correctly and at its best.
Meanings
To adjust a musical instrument so that it plays at the correct pitch; (of an orchestra) to adjust collectively before performing.
"The musicians walked onto the stage and began to tune up."
To adjust and service a vehicle engine so that it operates at maximum efficiency.
"He took the car to the garage to have the engine tuned up before the long drive."
(figurative) To improve or optimise a system, process, or one's own skills.
"We need to tune up our onboarding process before the new intake arrives."
In the musical sense, it can be intransitive (musicians 'tune up' before a concert). In the mechanical sense, it is typically transitive (a mechanic 'tunes up' an engine). A 'tune-up' (noun) refers to either the musical or mechanical process.
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