English · Daily Life
turn up
/tɜːn ʌp/
[/tɜːn ʌp/]
arrive; appear
Intermediateverb
Definition
To arrive or appear, often unexpectedly, or to increase volume or intensity.
Example
He didn't turn up to the meeting, and nobody could reach him on his phone all afternoon.
He didn't turn up to the meeting, and nobody could reach him on his phone all afternoon.
Etymology
Combines 'turn' with 'up'; the 'appear' sense relates to something surfacing or coming into view.
How & Where It’s Used
Informal British and general English for showing up, often with a note of surprise or unreliability.