English Help Online's Blog

Today, I’d like to write about the expression: cough up. This has two meanings in English:

1. to produce something by coughing (often blood). For example:

My friend was so sick yesterday that he was coughing up blood.

2. to give something to someone. In this case, it is usually used in the imperative tense. This expression is a little bit slang. Also, if we say this to another person, it’s a little strong. For example:

I want the money you owe me now, so cough it up!

You owe Nancy $100. If you don’t cough it up soon, she’s going to be really angry.