tightens up
Gets more rigid
Tightens up means to make something more secure, strict, or efficient.
Security tightens up after a breach.
A team tightens up its defense.
Rules tighten up when abuses occur.
The phrase can also describe muscles tensing or a person becoming less relaxed: He tightens up whenever his ex walks in.
- narrowingReduction in width
- firm upMake solid or certain
- constrictTo squeeze tightly
- contractionReduction in size
- cinchGuaranteed easy thing
clamp · clamps down · chokehold · stiffen · secure · strengthen · concentrate · discipline · reins in · refine · adjust · compose · intensification · reinforce · fasten · nails down · regulate · buckles down
tightens uploosens
Decreases tightness or tension
loosens up · slackens · relaxes · releases · eases
tightens uploosens up
Becomes more relaxed
relaxes · unwinds · chills out · opens up · calms down
tighten, tight, tightly, tightness, tighter, tightest, tights, uptight, airtight