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. How long will it take for this gelatin to firm up?
2. To become more physically fit or toned. Yeah, I hired a personal trainer to help me firm up. It's not like I'm going to the gym to firm up for bathing suit season—I'm just trying to rebuild strength after my injury! A: "But you were a college athlete—you actually like the gym." B: "I do enjoy lifting weights and firming up, yeah."
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. When will unemployment numbers finally start to firm up? Because the school was involved in such a horrific scandal, I suspect it'll be years, if not decades, before enrollment numbers firm up again.
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? Hey, call Rich's office, will you? We tentatively talked about having a meeting this week, so see if you can firm that up. You could say we've firmed up our wedding plans—we just gave the venue a deposit!
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. Look, I know our benefits package is great, but it's just not going to get the deal done. You need to firm up your original salary offer. Yeah, you could have firmed up financial terms, but I just don't think she was seriously considering working here.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.