tighten

Universal Words verb ~ (sth) (up) 1 to become or make sth become tight or tighter: [V] The rope holding the boat suddenly tightened and broke. * His mouth tightened into a thin line. * [VN] to tighten a lid / screw / rope / knot * The nuts weren't properly tightened and the wheel came off. * She tightened her grip on his arm. * The brake cable needs tightening up. 2 [VN] to make sth become stricter: to tighten security / regulations / rules * The government is to tighten controls on the sale of alcohol. OPPLOOSEN IDIOMS tighten your belt to spend less money because there is less available: With price increases on most goods, everyone is having to tighten their belt. * There is a need for further belt-tightening. PHRASALVERBS tighten up (on sth) to become stricter or more careful: Laws on gambling have tightened up recently. * The police are tightening up on under-age drinking.