Phrasal verb
cough up
Definition
phrasal verb. To give something like money or a secret when you do not want to. You use this when someone finally pays you back for that pizza they 'forgot' about.
phrasal verb. To provide money, information, or property, typically with reluctance or under pressure. Transitive; the object can be placed between the verb and particle.
Examples
“He finally had to cough up the money he owed me.”
“After the long court case, the insurance company was forced to cough up the full settlement to the family.”
“The corporation was eventually compelled to cough up the internal documents that proved they had been aware of the safety risks for years.”
Examples
simple
“He finally had to cough up the money he owed me.”
contextual
“After the long court case, the insurance company was forced to cough up the full settlement to the family.”
complex
“The corporation was eventually compelled to cough up the internal documents that proved they had been aware of the safety risks for years.”
Usage
This phrase is informal and usually refers to paying a debt or revealing a secret.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'shell out', which also means to pay but emphasizes the high cost rather than the reluctance to give.
Pitfall
He coughed up to the fine.
He coughed up the fine.
The phrase takes a direct object (the money or thing given) without the preposition 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
cough + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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