loosen up

US /ˈluːsən ʌp/

UK /ˈluːsən ʌp/

1.

to relax, especially after being tense or nervous

:

•

You need to loosen up a bit before your presentation.

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After a few drinks, he started to loosen up and enjoy the party.

:

relax unwind chill out ease up calm down

2.

to make something less tight or rigid

:

•

Can you help me loosen up this knot?

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The screws need to be loosened up before you can remove the panel.

:

untighten slack unfasten release

:

loosen your grip on the up and up up up to come up with follow up keep up with