bring out
1. To take something outside. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." Now that the storm is over, I guess we can bring the patio furniture out again. Kids, don't leave your toys strewn all over the yard! You can bring them out again in the morning. Can you bring these wet clothes out to the clothesline?
2. To present or deliver something, typically to people in a group. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." Volunteers will bring pamphlets out for anyone who wants to sign up for the program today. You better get back to your seat—they've begun bringing out the first course. Close your eyes, everyone, while Santa's helpers bring out your presents!
3. To cause something to be revealed, highlighted, or intensified. That top looks great on you—it really brings out your eyes. I feel so inadequate and jealous around my sister—ugh, she always brings out the worst in me! Yikes, that paint color really brings out all the imperfections in the wall, huh?
4. To publish or produce something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." It's official—the publisher is bringing out my new book this spring! The company is expected to bring their newest model of computer out next summer. We hope to bring out an update that fixes the crashing issue by the end of the week.
5. To prompt someone, typically a performer, to come out on stage. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." The cheers of the adoring crowd brought the Broadway star out several more times after her curtain call. I hoped we'd be able to bring the band out for an encore, but that didn't happen. A: "Don't you hear the crowd, sir? They're trying to bring you back out." B: "Yes, but I have nothing more to say—I finished my prepared remarks."
6. To prompt someone to exit some place or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." The sound of the fire alarm brought everyone out of the dorm. The kids saw a mouse today—that brought them out of the basement real quick! Ugh, that ear-splitting feedback was nearly enough to bring people out of the venue before the concert even began.
7. To prompt someone to become engaged in some communal activity. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." The senator's grassroots election campaign seems to be bringing out a record number of younger voters. I bet a charity event like that would bring out most of the town. You know what would really bring out customers? A big sale.
8. To cause someone to reveal or divulge something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "bring" and "out." The detective will be able to bring the truth out of that witness when she questions him. I know we need this information, but you can't torture the man just to bring it out of him! Don't worry, I'm sure I can lean on my little brother and bring out details about the surprise party.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bring someone out (on something)
Lit. to make someone come onto the stage from the stage sides or wings. Let's applaud loudly and bring her out on stage again. Lily was brought out on stage by the applause.
bring something out (in someone)
to cause a particular quality to be displayed by a person, such as virtue, courage, a mean streak, selfishness, etc. You bring the best out in me. This kind of thing brings out the worst in me.
bring something out
1. to issue something; to publish something; to present something [to the public]. I am bringing a new book out. I hear you have brought out a new edition of your book.
2. Go to bring something out of someone.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
bring out
1. Expose or reveal; make conspicuous. For example, His book brought out some new facts about the war, or Her photographs bring out the play of light on her subjects. [Late 1500s]
2. Nurture or develop a quality, as in A gifted teacher brings out the best in pupils. [c. 1700]
3. Present to the public. For example, The publisher decided to bring out this dictionary in a single volume, or Debutantes traditionally are brought out at a ball. [c. 1800]
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.