Cough up
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑf ˈəp/
Cough up (verb)
- To bring something up from your throat by coughing, especially mucus or phlegm.
- To give money or pay a debt, often after refusing or delaying.
- To produce information or an answer that someone does not want to share.
Examples
- I coughed up phlegm after the cold got worse.
- The patient coughed up phlegm during the exam.