tightened up
Removed the slack
Tightened up is the past tense of tighten up, meaning to make something more secure, strict, or efficient.
Security gets tightened up after a breach.
Regulations get tightened up to close loopholes.
A team tightens up its defense.
The phrase emphasizes thoroughness more than plain "tightened": They really tightened up the screening process after the incident.
- cinchedFastened or guaranteed
- constrictedMade narrower by pressure
- vice gripSelf-locking adjustable pliers
- strengthenedMade more robust
- clenchedContracted with force
secured · locked down · ratcheted · reined in · fastened · firm · squeezed · compacted · intensified · regulation · security measures · buttoned up · ship shape · policy · budget constraints · purse strings · resolve · schedule
tightened uploosened
Made less tight
loosened up · slackened · unfastened · released · let out
tightened uploosened up
Became more relaxed
relaxed · eased · liberalized · slackened · softened
tightened uploosened up
Became more relaxed
relaxed · unwound · let loose · chilled out · calmed down
tight, tighten, tights, tightly, tightness, tighter, tightest, tightening, tightened