bring (something) (up)on (someone or something)
(redirected from bring on you)bring (something) (up)on (someone or something)
To cause something very bad to happen to someone, something, or oneself. They wanted me to believe that I had brought shame on my family. I'm sorry to have to fire you, Jacob, but you brought this upon yourself. The product, their most expensive to develop, completely flopped when it hit the markets, bringing ruin on the company within the span of a year.
See also: bring
bring it on
slang A set phrase used to challenge someone. If you think you're a better basketball player than me, bring it on! Please, have you seen his junker of a car? If he wants to race me, bring it on—I'll beat him hands down! You want to fight me? OK, jerk, bring it on—give me your best shot!
bring on
1. To cause something to arise or happen. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." This warm weather is great, but it's also brought on my allergies, unfortunately. That restrictive new law has brought on a number of protests. I don't want my son to play a contact sport because they always seem to bring on serious injuries.
2. To cause something unpleasant to happen to oneself. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." I'm not sympathetic because he brought this on himself by mismanaging his money. I really wish she would take me back, but I know I brought this on myself by cheating on her. Carrie takes on every new client, and then she wonders why she's burned out. Girl, you brought this on yourself!
3. To make someone or something appear. Stated as part of a request. We're celebrating tonight, so bring on the champagne! Bring on the opening act! Our yoga studio is finally ready for its grand opening, so bring on the students!
4. To recruit or involve someone in a particular activity or group. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." With the sudden growth my business has experienced, I think it's time to bring on a graphic designer who can make my website look more professional. Once we bring Tim on, the team will be complete. Why are they bringing on an outside consultant for this project?
5. To cause someone to become sexually stimulated or aroused. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "on." A: "Ever since I started taking that new antidepressant, it takes a lot to bring me on." B: "Wow, is low libido listed as a potential side effect?" That guy over by the bar is so hot—just looking at him brings me on.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bring someone on
1. Lit. to bring someone out onto the stage. Now, for the next act, I'm going to bring a chorus on, and I'm sure you'll love them. Bring on the clowns!
2. Fig. to arouse someone romantically or sexually. Ted sought to bring Sally on, but she was uninterested. He tried to bring on one of the guests.
bring something on someone
to cause something to go wrong for someone. You brought it on yourself. Don't complain. Max brought this problem on all of us.
bring something on
1. to cause something to happen; to cause a situation to occur. What brought this event on? What brought on this catastrophe?
2. to cause a case or an attack of a disease. What brought on your coughing fit? Something in the air brought it on.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
bring on
1. Cause to happen, produce, as in His cold brought on an asthma attack. This usage was first recorded in John Milton's Samson Agonistes (1671): "These evils . . . I myself have brought them on." Also see bring about.
2. Cause to appear or bring into action, as in Bring on the jugglers. [Mid-1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
bring on
v.
To cause something to arise: Eating ice cream too fast can bring on a headache. My child threw a terrible tantrum, but I don't know what brought it on.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.