bring on

To make something happen, especially a problem or illness.

• Strong smells can bring on headaches.
• The sudden cold brought on her cough.
• What brought this attack on?

How to use it: bring on something / bring something on (Lack of sleep brought on a headache.)

Similar words: cause, trigger

Opposites: prevent

Common phrases: bring on illness, bring on symptoms, bring on trouble

To offer a fight or competition, or invite someone to try to beat you.

• Bring it on! I am ready.
• If you want a rematch, bring it on.
• She told her rivals to bring it on.

How to use it: bring it on (You think you can beat me? Bring it on!)

Similar words: challenge, take on

Common phrases: bring on something, bring on the challenge

To make a performer or player come onto a stage or into a game.

• Bring on the next singer.
• The manager brought on two substitutes.
• They brought her on after the opening song.

How to use it: bring on someone / bring someone on (The coach brought a new goalkeeper on.)

Similar words: introduce, send on

Opposites: take off

Common phrases: bring on substitutes, bring on someone, bring on performers

To employ someone or add them to a team or project.

• We need to bring on more staff.
• They brought him on as a consultant.
• Can we bring another engineer on before June?

How to use it: bring someone on as something (We brought Lena on as our designer.)

Similar words: hire, recruit

Opposites: dismiss

Common phrases: bring on staff, bring on someone, bring on consultants