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turn up — 3 meanings

Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.

phrasal verb3 meanings
turn upsame phrase

Which one do you mean?

arrive unexpectedly

He didn’t turn up to the meeting until it was almost over.

increase volume or heat

Can you turn up the radio? I can’t hear the song.

be found unexpectedly

Don’t worry about your passport—it’ll probably turn up sooner or later.

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Meanings in detail

1. arrive unexpectedly

B1informalspoken

To arrive somewhere, especially when you are not expected or when it was not certain you would come.

He didn’t turn up to the meeting until it was almost over.

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2. increase volume or heat

B1informalspoken

To make something, such as the sound, heat, or light, stronger or louder by adjusting a control.

Can you turn up the radio? I can’t hear the song.

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3. be found unexpectedly

C1informalspoken

To appear or be discovered, especially after being lost or missing, often by chance and unexpectedly.

Don’t worry about your passport—it’ll probably turn up sooner or later.

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