bring up the beef

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring up the beef" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to raising a dispute or issue, often in a confrontational manner. Example: "During the meeting, she decided to bring up the beef about the budget cuts that affected her department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Did you bring up the beef?

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then bring up the pet.

WikiHow

Not bringing up the destitute".

The New Yorker

"Who brought up the idea?

The New York Times

Your sandwich, which is brisket with a sweet Southern-style sauce on rye bread, is not the most colorful thing inside; that honor goes to the rotund owner, Tony Schatzie, who has a lot to say about whatever you bring up, be it politics or corned beef, with vocabulary that would get him kicked out of many other Madison Avenue locales.

The New York Times - Travel

Then, bring the beef, vegetables, and sauce together.

WikiHow

Born in 1906 and brought up in South America, Logan is the son of a Scottish beef baron, Francis Mountstuart, and his secretary, Mercedes de Solis.

The Guardian - Books

The one who brought up….

The New Yorker

Here, the inn's half-timbered heritage is brought up to date with top-notch local ciders and ales and creative British cuisine – dishes such as pesto-rib of beef and coconut sea bass are recent menu highlights.

BBC

Barthes was brought up a Protestant in a Catholic country, a gay man with a lifelong beef against the French bourgeoisie.

The Guardian - Arts

Chef serves up the sliced beef and sausages.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring up the beef" in informal conversations or writing to denote a contentious issue. Avoid using it in formal contexts where a more neutral phrase like "raise the issue" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "bring up the beef" in professional emails or formal reports. Its informal tone can undermine the seriousness of the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring up the beef" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to denote raising a contentious issue or dispute. Ludwig AI states that it’s usable in written English and often used in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bring up the beef" is an idiomatic expression used to describe raising a contentious issue or dispute. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig AI notes that it’s most appropriate in informal contexts. Its frequency is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media sources. For formal situations, alternatives like "raise the issue" or "address the grievance" are more suitable. When opting to use this phrase consider your audience and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the issue

More formal and direct, omitting the confrontational implication.

address the grievance

Focuses on the complaint needing a resolution.

air one's complaints

Implies a public expression of discontent.

ventilate the problem

Suggests openly discussing and resolving an issue.

express dissatisfaction

A more polite and indirect way of stating disagreement.

voice concerns

Highlights worries or anxieties about a situation.

state one's case

More focused on presenting an argument or justification.

register a protest

A formal and official expression of disagreement.

lodge a complaint

Implies filing a formal grievance.

make a fuss

Implies an overreaction or unnecessary disturbance.

FAQs

What does "bring up the beef" mean?

It means to raise a dispute or contentious issue, often in a confrontational manner.

When is it appropriate to use "bring up the beef"?

It's best used in informal settings. In formal settings, it's better to "raise the issue" or "address the grievance".

Are there alternatives to "bring up the beef"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "raise the issue", "address the grievance", or "voice concerns".

Is "bring up the beef" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's an idiomatic expression and should be used appropriately.