cough

Definition

  • verb: to force air through your throat with a short, loud noise often because you are sick
  • verb: to expel air from the lungs suddenly with an explosive noise
  • often used with 'up'
  • synonyms: expectorate, hem, hack

Examples

  • The police made the suspect 'cough up' the names of his accomplices.

  • They 'coughed up' [='lost, gave up'] the lead in the second half.

  • We had to 'cough up' an extra hundred dollars for the car rental.

Movie quotes

  • (..) He don't tip? - You don't tip? - He don't believe in it. Shut up. What do you mean, you don't believe in it? Cough up a buck, you cheap bastard. I paid for your goddamn breakfast. Since you bought breakfast, I'll put in. But normally I would never do this. Never mind what you normally would do. (..)
    1992 Reservoir Dogs
  • (..) And you, when I come back I want my book. Sorry. It's my book now. Hey, I changed my mind. Shoot this piece of shit, will ya? All right, everybody cough up some green for the little lady. Come on, throw in a buck. I don't tip. - You don't tip? - I don't believe in it. (..)
    1992 Reservoir Dogs