come up

To happen or become known, often unexpectedly.

• Something has come up.
• A problem came up during the trip.
• Call me if any new issues come up.

Similar words: arise, crop up, emerge

Common phrases: come up unexpectedly, come up suddenly, come up at work

If an event is near in time, it will happen soon.

• My birthday is coming up.
• We have an important exam coming up.
• What events are coming up next month?

Similar words: approach, draw near

Common phrases: come up soon, come up next, come up this week

To be mentioned or brought to people’s attention during a conversation or discussion.

• Your name came up today.
• The subject came up during dinner.
• Does that question often come up in interviews?

How to use it: come up in something (Your name came up in our conversation.)

Similar words: be mentioned, be raised

Common phrases: come up in conversation, come up in discussions, come up at meetings

To prove good enough when compared with a particular standard or what someone hoped for.

• The meal came up to expectations.
• His work did not come up to the required standard.
• Will the new model come up to our expectations?

How to use it: come up to something (The finished work did not come up to our standards.)

Similar words: meet, match, measure up to

Common phrases: come up to expectations, come up to standard

To move closer to a particular time or planned event.

• We are coming up to Christmas.
• The broadcast is coming up on the interview segment.
• It was coming up to noon when the rain stopped.

How to use it: come up on something (We are coming up on our tenth anniversary.); come up to a time/event (It was coming up to midnight when we arrived.)

Similar words: approach, near

Common phrases: come up on something, come up to midnight, come up to Christmas

To appear in court so a judge can deal with your case.

• He comes up in court tomorrow.
• She came up before the local magistrate.
• When will the accused come up before the judge?

How to use it: come up before a judge/court (The accused came up before a judge yesterday.)

Similar words: appear in court

Common phrases: come up before someone, come up in court

A chance to gain something useful or improve your situation.

• That job offer was a come-up.
• She saw the cheap equipment as a come-up for her business.
• He hoped the deal would be his big come-up.

Similar words: opportunity, chance

Common phrases: a come up, good come up