tune
A group of musical notes that sound nice together and are easy to remember, like a song or melody.
A sequence of musical notes heard as a single, recognizable melody, especially a simple or catchy one.
To change a musical instrument so that every note sounds right.
To adjust the strings or other parts of a musical instrument so that it produces the correct pitches.
To change small settings on a machine so it works better or finds the right signal.
To adjust the settings or parts of a machine or device so that it works as well as possible, or receives the desired signal.
To change a plan, message, or idea so it fits a special group of people or a situation better.
To adjust something such as a plan, message, or policy so that it is more suitable for a particular audience, purpose, or situation.
Someone's normal way of speaking or feeling about something, especially when it always sounds the same or suddenly becomes different.
A person's typical attitude, opinion, or way of talking about something, especially when it is repeated or later changes.
- Base: tune
- Plural: tune, tunes
- Base: tune
- 3rd Person Singular: tunes
- Present Participle: tuning
- Past: tuned
call the tune
1be the person in control
To be the person who has control and makes the important decisions.
- In this company, the investors call the tune.
- Who really calls the tune in that relationship?
- If you pay for the project, you get to call the tune.
carry a tune
1be able to sing in tune
To be able to sing notes at the right pitch so it sounds okay.
- I can't carry a tune, but I love karaoke.
- She may be shy, but she can really carry a tune.
- He jokes that he can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
change your tune
1suddenly change attitude or opinion
To start talking or feeling very differently about something, often after something happens.
- He said he hated the idea, but he changed his tune after the boss approved it.
- You'll change your tune when you see how much it costs.
- She changed her tune about online learning once she tried it.
dance to someone's tune
1do exactly what someone wants
To do what another person wants, often because they have power or money.
- The smaller companies had to dance to the big retailer's tune.
- He refuses to dance to anyone else's tune.
- They are dancing to the donors' tune on this issue.
in tune
1having correct musical pitch
Singing or playing notes at the correct pitch so they sound right together.
- Make sure the guitar is in tune before you record.
- Her voice is always perfectly in tune.
- The choir sounded much better once everyone was in tune.
in tune with
1in agreement or harmony
Having ideas, feelings, or actions that match or agree well with someone or something.
- The company needs to be in tune with its customers' needs.
- She feels very in tune with nature when she hikes alone.
- His views are in tune with public opinion.
out of tune
1not at correct musical pitch
Singing or playing notes at the wrong pitch so they sound bad or wrong together.
- The piano is badly out of tune.
- He was so nervous that he sang out of tune.
- Several violins were out of tune during the performance.
sing a different tune
1express a very different attitude
To speak or act in a very different way from before, usually because the situation has changed.
- He was against the plan, but he sang a different tune after getting promoted.
- They'll be singing a different tune if the project fails.
- Once the money arrived, the landlord started singing a different tune.
to the tune of
1amounting to (large sum of money)
Used before an amount of money to show it is a large or exact amount.
- They invested to the tune of two million dollars.
- He was fined to the tune of $5,000.
- She donated to the tune of several thousand euros.
tune in
1set device to a station
To set a radio, TV, or similar device so it receives a particular station or program.
- Millions of people tune in to watch the show every week.
- You can tune in to the local station at 101.3 FM.
- Don't forget to tune in at eight o'clock tonight.
tune in to
1become aware and pay attention
To start noticing and understanding something or someone, and pay close attention to it.
- Teachers need to tune in to their students' feelings.
- It took me a while to tune in to the way people think here.
- She quickly tuned in to the main issues in the discussion.
tune out
1stop paying attention
To stop listening to or thinking about something, especially because it is boring or stressful.
- I just tune out when he starts talking about politics.
- She put on headphones to tune out the noise.
- He tends to tune out during long meetings.
tune up
1prepare an instrument, car, or body
To make small changes to an instrument, car, or even your body so it is ready to work or perform well.
- The band tuned up before going on stage.
- I need to have my car tuned up before winter.
- Runners are tuning up for the marathon this weekend.