bring up

What it means

To mention a topic or start talking about something in a conversation. It can also mean to raise a child, depending on context.

Examples

• I didn't want to bring up the argument again during dinner.
• She brought up an interesting point about remote work and productivity.
• Try not to bring it up unless he asks you directly.
• Nobody brought up the missing report, which surprised the whole team.

Where it comes from

Separable: you can bring something up or bring up something. The 'raise a child' meaning is older, dating to Middle English; the 'mention' sense became common in the 18th century.

Related phrasal verbs