World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCough up
/ˈkɒf ʌp/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To give something, especially money or information, reluctantly or under pressure.
"He had to cough up a lot of money to pay for the car repairs." - 2
To expel phlegm or mucus from the throat or lungs by coughing.
"The patient coughed up blood and was immediately rushed to the hospital."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the physical verb 'cough' (Old English 'cohhetian', of imitative origin) combined with the directional particle 'up' indicating forceful expulsion. By the 19th century, the literal sense of expectorating phlegm extended metaphorically to the reluctant handing over of money or information.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Cough up"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Cough up" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
cracher
Transliteration: /kʁa.ʃe/
"Il a dû cracher l'argent pour payer ses dettes."
berappen
Transliteration: /bəˈʁapn̩/
"Er musste viel Geld berappen."
sborsare
Transliteration: /zborˈ萨.re/
"Ha dovuto sborsare una grossa somma."
soltar
Transliteration: /solˈtaɾ/
"Tuvo que soltar el dinero para la multa."
desbolsar
Transliteration: /dez.bolˈsaɾ/
"Ele teve que desbolsar uma quantia alta."
चुकाना
Transliteration: chukana
"उन्हें मजबूरी में पैसे चुकाने पड़े।"
掏出
Transliteration: tāo chū
"他不得不掏出一大笔钱。"
내놓다
Transliteration: naenohda
"그는 마지못해 돈을 내놓았다."
渋々,出す
Transliteration: shibushibu dasu
Script: 渋々出す
"彼は渋々お金を出した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA professional entertainer, such as a singer, dancer, or actor, especially one of high skill.
An operational unit in an air force consisting of two or more flights, or an armored cavalry unit.
Annoyed, bored, or disappointed after experiencing something unpleasant for too long.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Cough up"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.