tune : Idioms & Phrases
Index
call the tune
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verb exercise authority or be in charge
call the shots; wear the trousers.
- Who is calling the shots in this house?
WordNet
fine-tune
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verb improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
down; polish; refine.
- refine one's style of writing
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verb adjust finely
tweak.
- fine-tune the engine
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verb make fine adjustments or divide into marked intervals for optimal measuring
calibrate; graduate.
- calibrate an instrument
- graduate a cylinder
WordNet
signature tune
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noun a melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program
theme song; signature.
WordNet
To change one's tune
- to become less confident or boastful. Colloq.
Webster 1913
tune in
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verb regulate (a radio or television set) in order to receive a certain station or program
WordNet
tune up
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verb adjust for (better) functioning
tune.
- tune the engine
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verb adjust the pitches of (musical instruments)
tune.
- My piano needs to be tuned
WordNet
tune-up
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noun exercising in preparation for strenuous activity
warm-up; prolusion.
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noun adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance
WordNet
tuning fork
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noun a metal implement with two prongs that gives a fixed tone when struck; used to tune musical instruments