beefs up
Makes more powerful
To beef up is to strengthen, reinforce, or add substance to something: The company beefed up security after the breach, She beefed up her résumé before applying.
The image is of adding muscle or bulk—making something more substantial or robust.
- bolstersSupports or cylindrical pillows
- shores upStrengthens against failure
- fortifiesStrengthens against threat
- bulks upIncreases muscle mass
- strengthensIncreases force or durability
builds · builds up · muscles · hits the gym · toughens · trains · pumps up · solidifies · stockpiles · underpins · stabilizes · corroborates · substantiates · hones · supports · reinforces · sharpens · hardens
beefs upweakens
Reduces strength or power
enfeebles · debilitates · undermines · saps · enervates
beefs upthins
Reduces density or concentration
slims down · trims · reduces · scales back · shrinks
beefs upwaters down
Thins by adding liquid
dilutes · tones down · dials back · softens · moderates