firm up

firm up

1. To cause something to become more physically stable or solid. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." I think we need to firm up the foundation before the whole thing falls over. Now put the mixture in the fridge so it can firm up.
2. To become more physically fit or toned. Yeah, I hired a personal trainer to help me firm up.
3. To recover from a problem or decline. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." It'll take some time for sales to firm up after the economic downturn.
4. To solidify a plan or idea and make it more definite. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." I'll call you tomorrow night to firm up our plans for the weekend, OK?
5. To change or add to a monetary offer, in order to make it more desirable. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "firm" and "up." If we firm up our offer, I really do think he'll sign with us.
See also: firm, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

firm something up

 
1. Lit. to make something more stable or firm. We need to firm this table up. It is very wobbly. You need to use a whisk to firm up the egg whites.
2. Fig. to make a monetary offer for something more appealing and attractive and therefore more "solid" and likely to be accepted. You will have to firm the offer up with cash today, if you really want the house. Please firm up this offer if you still want the house.
See also: firm, up

firm up

 
1. Lit. to develop better muscle tone; to become less flabby. I need to do some exercises so I can firm up. You really ought to firm up.
2. Fig. to become more stable or viable; to recover from or stop a decline. The economy will probably firm up soon. I hope that cattle prices firm up next spring.
See also: firm, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

firm up

v.
1. To become firm or firmer: My vacation plans firmed up, so I bought airline tickets.
2. To cause something, such as a shape or a plan, to become definite or firm: I want to firm up our vacation plans before I call the travel agent. Let's firm our route up and get on the road.
See also: firm, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
  • angle
  • angling
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • adapt to
References in periodicals archive
In November, courier firm UPS commissioned 12 new vehicles from Modec, planning to launch half of them in Germany and the other half in the UK in February.
Modec's a green hit in the capital; BUSINESS: Electric vehicle maker's triple success
In other restructuring moves, the group said it agreed to lease its Corton wood logistics centre near Rotherham to delivery firm UPS for three years.
Alba jobs to go after year of loss
The event, which was held at the Broad Lane campus in Tile Hill, was organised by generous staff at freight and parcel firm UPS.
Firm helps brighten up a wet day for kids; ++ FAMILY FUNDAY ++
Police have not revealed how the grenades came to be filled with explosives and delivered by courier firm UPS to a postbox outside the consulate building on May 4.
Deighton man linked to NY grenades blast
This week the company received another orders boost, with the announcement that US delivery firm UPS had agreed to buy 10 freighter versions of its new A380 superjumbo.
Airbus rules the skies as world's largest plane maker
And at East Midlands Airport in the early hours of yesterday., a large, suspicious package was taken off a plane run by courier firm UPS.
INK BOMB TERROR ALERT; Explosives found in printer cartridges on jets
ANOTHER black day descended on the jobs front yesterday as delivery firm UPS revealed it is to shed 200 workers.
200 jobs axed at delivery firm UPS over rising costs; ECONOMY
The Nuneaton-based parcel carrier company, which is one of the country's largest independent carriers, was taken over by international firm UPS last year for pounds 55.5million.
Superhub scheme sparks jobs fears fears; EMPLOYMENT: Anxious parcel depot workers say new site will pose travel headache
The details - which include salaries, national insurance numbers and addresses - belonged to staff at courier firm UPS.
ID fears on theft of PC; SECURITY
Findings from a survey conducted by parcel delivery firm UPS reveal that the UK is leading the field when it comes to implementing flexible working, retraining and career development support.
UK one of most supportive countries in EU for women