cough up (something)

1. to allow an opponent to take the lead in a competition.

Sele got a 3—0 lead in the second inning but then coughed it up in the third.

2. to pay money unwillingly.

I had to cough up $35 for administration fees.

Martinez's lawyers knew the banks had the money, and pushed them to cough it up.

• in so many words
• in someone's eyes
• in someone's glory
• in someone's good graces
• in someone's hour of need
• in someone's midst
• in someone's name
• in someone's pocket
• in someone's shadow
• in someone's shoes
• in someone's stead
• in someone's way
• in something's glory
• in something's shadow
• in something's stead
• in spades
• in spite of
• in spite of something
• in spitting distance
• in stead
• in step with
• in step with someone
• in step with something
• in stitches
• in stockinged feet