bring (something) (up)on (someone or something)
bring (something) (up)on (someone or something)
To cause something very bad to happen to someone, something, or oneself. They wanted me to believe that I had brought shame on my family. I'm sorry to have to fire you, Jacob, but you brought this upon yourself. The product, their most expensive to develop, completely flopped when it hit the markets, bringing ruin on the company within the span of a year.
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bring it on
slang A set phrase used to challenge someone. If you think you're a better basketball player than me, bring it on!
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bring on
1. To cause something to arise or happen. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." This warm weather is great, but it's also brought on my allergies, unfortunately.
2. To cause something unpleasant to happen to oneself. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." I'm not sympathetic because he brought this on himself by mismanaging his money.
3. To make someone or something appear. Stated as part of a request. We're celebrating tonight, so bring on the champagne! Bring on the opening act!
4. To recruit or involve someone in a particular activity or group. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." With the sudden growth my business has experienced, I think it's time to bring on a graphic designer who can make my website look more professional. Once we bring Tim on, the team will be complete.
5. To cause someone to become sexually stimulated or aroused. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." A: "Ever since I started taking that new antidepressant, it takes a lot to bring me on." B: "Wow, is low libido listed as a potential side effect?"
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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
bring someone on
1. Lit. to bring someone out onto the stage. Now, for the next act, I'm going to bring a chorus on, and I'm sure you'll love them. Bring on the clowns!
2. Fig. to arouse someone romantically or sexually. Ted sought to bring Sally on, but she was uninterested. He tried to bring on one of the guests.
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bring something on someone
to cause something to go wrong for someone. You brought it on yourself. Don't complain. Max brought this problem on all of us.
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bring something on
1. to cause something to happen; to cause a situation to occur. What brought this event on? What brought on this catastrophe?
2. to cause a case or an attack of a disease. What brought on your coughing fit? Something in the air brought it on.
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McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
bring on
1. Cause to happen, produce, as in His cold brought on an asthma attack. This usage was first recorded in John Milton's Samson Agonistes (1671): "These evils . . . I myself have brought them on." Also see bring about.
2. Cause to appear or bring into action, as in Bring on the jugglers. [Mid-1800s]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
bring on
v.
To cause something to arise: Eating ice cream too fast can bring on a headache. My child threw a terrible tantrum, but I don't know what brought it on.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- (someone or something) promises well
- a/the feel of (something)
- a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- (have) got something going (with someone)
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- accompanied by
- accompanied by (someone or something)
- accompany
- a crack at (someone or something)