tack up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To prepare a horse for riding by equipping it with tack (harness, reins, saddle etc.)
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To attach in a temporary fashion (with or as if with tacks or pins), as for example to fix pieces of fabric into position in preparation for sewing their seams, or to hang dropcloths as masking before painting.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tack up” mean?
To prepare a horse for riding by equipping it with tack (harness, reins, saddle etc.)
Is “tack up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.