serve up
To provide; deliver; inflict; impose.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The chef will serve up a delicious meal tonight.”
“The politician tried to serve up empty promises, but the voters were not convinced by his speech.”
“The media continues to serve up sensationalist headlines, hoping to capture the public's attention through fear and constant controversy.”
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first come, first served
One will be dealt with in the order in which one arrives.
- 02
serve notice
To fire; to terminate one's employment or formal association.
- 03
serve someone right
To happen to someone who is thought to deserve it.
- 04
serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
- 05
serve time
To be confined in prison or a similar institution, typically for wrongdoing that violates the law.
- 06
serve two masters
To take orders from two superiors or two conflicting parties.
Last updated August 10, 2026