tuning up
Getting pitches right
Tuning up is preparing something for optimal performance.
Musicians tune up their instruments before playing, adjusting pitch until everything harmonizes.
Mechanics tune up engines by adjusting ignition timing, replacing spark plugs, and other maintenance.
Athletes tune up with light practice before competition.
The phrase suggests fine adjustment rather than major overhaul: The band was tuning up when we arrived.
- warming upPreparing body for exertion
- getting readyPreparation before an event
- warm-up actEntertainment preceding the star
- pitchFrequency of sound
- intonationPitch variation in speech
musical scales · alignment · rehearsal · calibration · optimization · harmony · maintenance · precision · soundcheck · dress rehearsal · resonance · diagnostics · conditioning · firing on all cylinders · spark plug · practice · acoustics · preparation
tuning upout of tune
Not at correct pitch
detuning · untuned · mistuned · discordant · sounding off
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