Cough up
Meaning
To reluctantly give money, goods, or information that is due or demanded.
Origin
The phrase "cough up" draws its vivid imagery directly from the human body—specifically, the forceful, often unpleasant action of expelling something from the throat or lungs. Imagine the effort involved when your body tries to rid itself of an irritant or blockage. It's not a gentle process; it's a reluctant, almost involuntary heaving. This bodily struggle was quickly borrowed as a metaphor, capturing the equally reluctant effort people make when forced to part with something precious, usually money. By the mid-19th century, people were already talking about having to "cough up" cash, perfectly illustrating the grudging, difficult nature of paying a debt or handing over funds under duress. It’s a beautifully simple, visceral way to describe a forced financial transaction or revelation.
Examples
- The tax authorities made him cough up all the undeclared income from previous years.
- After hours of questioning, the suspect finally coughed up the location of the stolen jewels.