Dredge up
verb
To bring something back into discussion or attention, especially something unpleasant or unwanted from the past.
She didn't want to dredge up her past mistakes.

Often appears as...
- dredge up memories
- dredge up the past
verb
To bring to light something forgotten or hidden.
The detective managed to dredge up some old files in the investigation.

Often appears as...
- dredge up evidence
- dredge up information
verb
To bring something back into discussion or attention, especially something unpleasant or unwanted from the past.
She didn't want to dredge up her past mistakes.

Often appears as...
- dredge up memories
- dredge up the past
verb
To bring to light something forgotten or hidden.
The detective managed to dredge up some old files in the investigation.

Often appears as...
- dredge up evidence
- dredge up information
Definition 1 of 2

Negative Emotion
Using 'dredge up' often implies negative feelings about the subject being revived.

I hate to dredge up old quarrels, but we need to address them.
Sensitive Topics
Be cautious when using 'dredge up' as it can make people uncomfortable by reminding them of bad experiences.

He dreaded family gatherings because someone would inevitably dredge up embarrassing childhood stories.
Avoid Repetition
'Dredge up' indicates something is being revisited, so avoid using it with words like 'again' or 're-' which are redundant.

Let's not dredge up the budget mistakes we've already discussed.
Negative Emotion
Using 'dredge up' often implies negative feelings about the subject being revived.

I hate to dredge up old quarrels, but we need to address them.
Sensitive Topics
Be cautious when using 'dredge up' as it can make people uncomfortable by reminding them of bad experiences.

He dreaded family gatherings because someone would inevitably dredge up embarrassing childhood stories.
Avoid Repetition
'Dredge up' indicates something is being revisited, so avoid using it with words like 'again' or 're-' which are redundant.

Let's not dredge up the budget mistakes we've already discussed.
Negative Emotion
Using 'dredge up' often implies negative feelings about the subject being revived.

I hate to dredge up old quarrels, but we need to address them.
Sensitive Topics
Be cautious when using 'dredge up' as it can make people uncomfortable by reminding them of bad experiences.

He dreaded family gatherings because someone would inevitably dredge up embarrassing childhood stories.
Avoid Repetition
'Dredge up' indicates something is being revisited, so avoid using it with words like 'again' or 're-' which are redundant.

Let's not dredge up the budget mistakes we've already discussed.
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