# rev up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rev-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To increase the speed of an engine, especially that of a stationary motor car.

## Examples

- He likes to rev up his car engine at the stoplight.
- The driver decided to rev up the engine to make sure it was running smoothly before the long trip.
- As the race was about to begin, the drivers started to rev up their engines, creating a deafening roar that echoed across the stadium.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.