Cough up
verb
To give money or information unwillingly.
Eventually he had to cough up the money for the damages.
Often appears as...
- cough up money
- cough up the cash
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To produce or expel mucus or phlegm from the lungs or throat by coughing.
The patient was coughing up large amounts of phlegm.
Often appears as...
- cough up phlegm
- cough up mucus
verb
To give money or information unwillingly.
Eventually he had to cough up the money for the damages.
Often appears as...
- cough up money
- cough up the cash
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To produce or expel mucus or phlegm from the lungs or throat by coughing.
The patient was coughing up large amounts of phlegm.
Often appears as...
- cough up phlegm
- cough up mucus
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Reluctance Implied
The phrase often suggests someone is not eager to give money or information.
He finally coughed up the name of the accomplice after hesitation.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Typically used in informal situations, not in formal or professional contexts.
Come on, you lost the bet—cough up the ten bucks!
Pro Tip 3/3Pressure Implied
It can hint that there was pressure or persuasion for someone to give what's asked for.
After much nagging, he finally coughed up his share of the rent.
Pro Tip 1/3Reluctance Implied
The phrase often suggests someone is not eager to give money or information.
He finally coughed up the name of the accomplice after hesitation.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Typically used in informal situations, not in formal or professional contexts.
Come on, you lost the bet—cough up the ten bucks!
Pro Tip 3/3Pressure Implied
It can hint that there was pressure or persuasion for someone to give what's asked for.
After much nagging, he finally coughed up his share of the rent.
Pro Tip 1/3Reluctance Implied
The phrase often suggests someone is not eager to give money or information.
He finally coughed up the name of the accomplice after hesitation.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Tone
Typically used in informal situations, not in formal or professional contexts.
Come on, you lost the bet—cough up the ten bucks!
Pro Tip 3/3Pressure Implied
It can hint that there was pressure or persuasion for someone to give what's asked for.
After much nagging, he finally coughed up his share of the rent.
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