speak up

What it means

To talk more loudly so others can hear you, or to express your opinion bravely. It often implies courage when standing up for yourself or others.

Examples

• Could you speak up a bit? I can't hear you over the traffic noise.
• She finally spoke up about the bullying she'd been experiencing at work.
• If you have a question, please speak up — don't be shy.
• More employees need to speak up when they see something unethical happening.

Where it comes from

Inseparable phrasal verb. The 'be brave enough to express opinions' meaning gained prominence with workplace and civil-rights vocabulary in the late 20th century.

Related phrasal verbs