bubble up

1. Of a liquid, to emerge from something, usually from under a surface, in a bubbling manner. Take a sample of the substance that's bubbling up from the ground. If that's oil bubbling up on your property, you guys are gonna be rich! Whoa, how did you make "lava" bubble up from your volcano for Science class?

2. For an emotion to be exhibited because it is too strong for one to contain. Her enthusiasm for the subject she teaches always bubbles up in the classroom. Their excitement at becoming homeowners is bubbling up—no one is usually that interested in discussing recessed lighting! Things got ugly on our family vacation once tensions between my aunts bubbled up.

3. To become stronger or more intense, especially after having been suppressed. Anger bubbled up in me with each note of criticism from my peers. If coach is standing on the sidelines scowling with his hands on the hips, you can practically see the frustration bubbling up inside him. I had to step out for a few minutes during the eulogy—the emotion bubbling up in me was just too much.

bubble up (through something)

[for a liquid] to seep up or well up through something, such as from between rocks, through a crack in the floor, or through a hole in the bottom of a boat. The water bubbled up through a crack in the basement floor.

bubble up

1. To rise due to a bubbling motion: Water bubbled up through the hole in the boat. Foam always bubbles up onto the counter when I wash the dishes.

2. To rise or increase steadily in intensity: Anger bubbled up in his chest when he heard their crude remarks.

3. To express some positive emotion: She bubbled up with joy when she got accepted into college.