come up

What does "come up" mean?

1. To be mentioned or discussed
2. To happen unexpectedly
3. To approach someone
4. To rise (sun, plants)

Examples

• The topic of salary came up during the interview.
• Something came up at work, so I can't make it to dinner.
• A stranger came up to me and asked for directions.
• The sun comes up around 6 AM in summer.
• Your name came up in conversation yesterday.

How to use it

'Something came up' is a common way to explain an unexpected event that changes plans. Very useful for polite explanations.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• come across

  To find something or meet someone by chance

• come back

  To return to a place

• come out

  To become known or revealed

• come over

  To visit someone's home

• come in

  To enter a room, building, or place

• come down

  To decrease in price, level, or amount