tighten up

phrasal verb

tightened up; tightening up; tightens up

: to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective

Security around the building has tightened up recently.

They tightened up security around the building.

Examples of tighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Panthers’ defense tightened up considerably after the first intermission, allowing just four shots on goal in second period after surrendering 10 in the first. —Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025

The bill would: tighten up and add teeth to an existing state law that prohibits utility companies from using ratepayer money for campaigning or advertising. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2025

To avoid this, tighten up your monthly financial reviews, get crystal clear on your profit drivers and margins, and bring in expert support if needed. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

The Dodgers also added free agent relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to tighten up the back of the bullpen. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Rhymes for tighten up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup