Definition of "show up" in English

Verb

1. To appear, arrive, or attend, especially suddenly or erratically.

   • Please come on time; don't just show up whenever you feel like it.
   • No matter how many I throw away, more copies always show up.

2. To be easily visible; to be conspicuous.

   • Stains really show up on this white tablecloth.

3. To make visible; to expose.

   • This bright light shows up the dust in the corners of the room.
   • I bet the Jayhawk fast break could show up the Nimrod's lack of speed.

4. To make visible or expose faults and deficiencies in, usually by outdoing, outperforming, or outcompeting another.

   • I finished in five minutes and she showed me up by finishing in three.
   • It showed her up in her true colors.

5. To produce an impression on observers; to come off.