Definition of "cough up" in English

Verb

1. To expel from the lungs, throat, stomach, etc. by coughing.

   • He was coughing up blood.
   • He was coughing up a lung.

2. To reluctantly or unwillingly give. Of money: to pay or disburse reluctantly.

   • Do you think he'll be able to cough up the three grand by Tuesday?

3. Of money: to pay or disburse reluctantly.

   • Do you think he'll be able to cough up the three grand by Tuesday?

4. Of other objects: to hand over, give.

5. To confess; to give up information.

6. To lose a competition by one's own mistakes, usually near the end of the contest.

   • That team had the game won, but they coughed it up in the end.

7. To spill, to fumble.