crank something up
crank up
1. Literally, to turn a crank on something so that it starts working. A noun or pronoun can be used between "crank" and "up." Annabelle was thrilled when I cranked up the music box for her.
2. To prompt or cause someone to do something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "crank" and "up." I know I'm supposed to be researching right now, but I've had a really hard time cranking myself up to do it.
3. To intensify. A noun or pronoun can be used between "crank" and "up." If we don't crank up our efforts, we'll never meet our goal for the fundraiser.
4. To start. A noun or pronoun can be used between "crank" and "up." You need to crank up this project now, in order to finish it by the deadline.
5. To raise the volume of something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "crank" and "up." Hey, that's a great song—crank up the radio!
See also: crank, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
crank something up
1. tv. to start something up. (Probably alludes to the old style car that had to be started with a crank.) I’ll go out and crank the car up so it can warm up.
2. tv. to increase the volume of an electronic device. Kelly cranked up his stereo until we were nearly deafened.
See also: crank, something, up
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- crank up
- crank out
- crank something out
- blacken up
- sluice out
- piece out
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- turn down