ENGLISH
REFERENCE

speak up

idiom
Meaning

To talk more loudly or clearly.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please speak up so everyone can hear you.

CONTEXTUAL

The room was very noisy, so I had to speak up to be heard by my colleagues.

COMPLEX

Although she was initially hesitant to voice her dissent, she eventually decided to speak up against the proposed changes during the board meeting.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    speak for

    To claim, reserve, or occupy.

  2. 02

    speak for oneself

    Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.

  3. 03

    speak in circles

    Synonym of talk in circles.

  4. 04

    speak of the devil

    An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.

  5. 05

    speak of the devil and he appears

    Synonym of speak of the devil.

  6. 06

    speak of the devil and he shall appear

    Alternative form of speak of the devil.

  7. 07

    speak one's mind

    To state one's thoughts or opinions honestly or frankly.

  8. 08

    speak out

    To assert or promote one's opinion; to make one's thoughts known.

Last updated April 17, 2026