TIGHTEN

[verb]Tighten the straps so they don't rub. [T]As he struggled, the ropes tightened even more. [I]Are there any plans to tighten (up/up on) control of advertising? [I or T]It's time we tightened up round here (= we must improve the way we do things). [I]The police are tightening the net (= coming closer to catching) around the smugglers.If you tighten your belt you spend or use less because of lack of money.We're all going to have to tighten our belts until your mother finds another job.