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tool up

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tool something up

to equip a factory or production line with particular tools and machines, as for new products. The manager closed down the factory so she could tool it up for the new models. She tooled up the factory in record time.

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tool up

to become equipped with tools. I need some money so I can tool up to do the job. The factory tooled up to make the new cars in only two weeks.

See also: tool, up

tool up

1. Provide the equipment for a particular task, as in Now that we're all tooled up let's repair the boat. This term originated in industry, where it is used for supplying a factory with machinery or other equipment for production. [1920s]

2. Arm oneself, as in They tooled up for their encounter with the rival gang. [Second half of 1900s]

See also: tool, up

tool up

v.

1. To equip oneself with tools or machinery needed for a particular job: The company tooled up to produce the new product.

2. To equip someone or something with tools or machinery needed for a particular job: The company still hasn't tooled up all of its new factories. The supplier travels to every workshop each week to tool them up.

3. To supply or equip oneself with weaponry; arm. Used chiefly in the passive: The gang was tooled up and ready for a fight.

See also: tool, up