step up (something)

to make something larger, faster, or more effective.

Following the explosion the airport authorities stepped up security.

We had to step our defense up and move the ball better.

Usage notes: also used in the form step it up:

The coach said that if we don't step it up in the second half we're in trouble.

• not breathe a word
• not budge an inch
• not by a long shot
• not by any stretch
• not by any stretch of the imagination
• not care a fig
• not care a hoot
• not care a toss
• not care tuppence
• notch below
• notch below someone
• notch below something
• not come up to scratch
• not cup of tea
• not cut it
• not cut the mustard
• not day
• not do any favors
• not do any favours
• not do anything by halves
• not done
• not do someone any favors
• not do someone any favours
• not do things by halves
• not do yourself any favors