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general::
Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs