turn up: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "turn up" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It has several different meanings and can be used in various contexts. The origins of this idiom are uncertain, but it has been in use for a long time.

One meaning of "turn up" is to appear or be found unexpectedly. This can refer to a person showing up without notice, like "John showed up at the party last night." It can also apply to objects or information that is discovered unexpectedly, such as "I found this old photo album while cleaning the attic. It just turned up out of nowhere." The related idiom "show up" carries a similar meaning, emphasizing the unexpectedness of someone's arrival or the appearance of something.

Another usage of "turn up" is to increase or raise the volume, intensity, or level of something. This can be applicable to sound, like "Can you turn up the music?" The related idiom "turn on" also implies increasing the volume or intensity of something, but it can also refer to switching something on or activating it, such as "Turn on the lights." In both cases, the idioms highlight the action of increasing or raising something.

The idiom "turn up" can also mean to be present or attend a social event or gathering. It implies showing up and taking part in a specific event or occasion. For example, "Are you going to turn up for the charity event tomorrow?" The related idiom "show up" conveys the same idea of being present and participating in an event or gathering.

Furthermore, "turn up" can be used in a figurative sense to express a particular outcome or result. It suggests a surprising or unexpected outcome, often in a negative sense. For instance, "His actions are going to turn up some undesirable consequences." The idioms "show up" and "turn on" do not have direct correlations to this figurative usage of "turn up."

It is worth mentioning that the idiom "turn up" is also utilized in the form of a noun, "turn-up," to describe a party, gathering, or event. This usage is mostly informal or colloquial.

The idiom "turn up" is a versatile phrase with multiple meanings. It can refer to something appearing unexpectedly, increasing the volume or intensity of something, being present or attending an event, or expressing a surprising outcome. The related idioms "show up" and "turn on" share some similarities in meaning but may not directly correlate to all the different uses of "turn up." The flexibility and frequent usage of "turn up" highlight its prominence in American English.