tune upverb

• 1

  To make adjustments (to an engine or bicycle drivetrain) in order to improve its performance.

• 2

  To make preparations for vigorous exercise; to warm up.

• 3

  To begin to sing or play music.

• 4

  entertainmentlifestylemusicTo tune one's instrument in preparation for performance.

  • By this time the theatre had practically filled and the orchestra was tuning up for the overture.
• 5

  To beat up (someone).

  • “We finally stopped roustin' him and decided to tune him up instead, every chance we got.” “Tune him up?” “Yeah, that's an expression for beatin' the living dog shit outta somebody.”
  • “I mean, I had to tune her up a bit. She bitched a lot and never did any work. Sometimes, you know, you just gotta get their attention, whack 'em a little."