1
general::
Phrase(s): crank something up
1. to get a machine or a process started. (Alludes to turning the starting crank of an early automobile.) • Please crank the machinery so the workers can start working. • Let’s crank up the drill and make a few holes here in the wall. 2. to increase the volume of an electronic device. • He cranked it up a little more and CRACK, there went both speakers! • Kelly cranked up his stereo until we were nearly deafened., Phrase(s): crank someone up
Fig. to motivate; to get someone started. (See also crank something up.) • See if you can crank up your brother and get him going on time today. • Some mornings, I can’t crank myself up enough to get to work on time.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Get started, as in The theater season is cranking up with four benefit performances. This expression transfers the literal sense of crank, "operate a motor by turning a crank," to starting any activity. [Slang; 1930s] 2. Stimulate or intensify one's efforts. For example, We've got to crank up enthusiasm for this new product, or Close to the election the campaign really cranked up. [Slang; mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms