ichidan verb, transitive verb
knead thoroughly; work into a smooth mass
Used for physical kneading of dough, clay, or similar substances until they reach a uniform, smooth consistency.
パンを作る前に、生地をよく練り上げる。
Before making bread, I knead the dough thoroughly.
陶芸家は粘土を丁寧に
The potter carefully worked the clay into a smooth mass.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Metaphorical extension: to work on a plan, idea, argument, or artistic work until it is well-developed and polished.
企画書を何度も練り上げて、完璧なものにした。
I refined the proposal many times and made it perfect.
彼は長年かけてその理論を練り上げた。
He spent years polishing that theory.