flush up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flush up" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect or unclear.
It could potentially be used in informal contexts to describe something being brought to the surface or made more visible, but it lacks clarity. Example: "The water began to flush up from the drain after the heavy rain."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We live in an age in which the pre-modern frequently comes flush up against the modern and the post-.

The New Yorker

In some subdivisions, highly flammable mulch such as bark or wood chips is spread thickly, sometimes flush up against homes.

The New York Times

What's it like when you're out for the last time, back in the dressing room, finally, definitively, flush up against the beginning of the rest of your life?

The Guardian - Sport

It is also flush up against what was once the eastern end of the Morris Canal, which for much of the 19th century linked Pennsylvania coal country to the Hudson River.

The New York Times

Your book might just go flush up in the toilet.

WikiHow

For the beginning, don't start your knots flush up against the larkshead knot.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The toilet flushed up, and when he came out, his whole back was blue.

The New York Times

Microfossils, which are flushed up boreholes in the drilling mud, can be analyzed to determine the depositional environment of the underlying sedimentary rocks and their age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Dupin asks the sailor for information about the murders, the sailor himself acts out a partial death: "The sailor's face flushed up as if he were struggling with suffocation... the next moment he fell back into his seat, trembling violently, and with the countenance of death itself".

Wikipedia

Neurologic symptoms, such as neuralgia and sharp arm pain [ 32], or harlequin facial flushing up to several years [ 16], were not observed in our patient group.

Clinical Research in Cardiology

She pleads guilty, an embarrassed red flush creeping up her face.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider more standard phrasal verbs or expressions that precisely convey your intended meaning instead of using the less common phrase "flush up".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "flush up" is universally understood. It's better to opt for well-established phrasal verbs to prevent confusion and ensure your writing is clear and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flush up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, though its usage is not always consistent with standard English. Ludwig shows it used to describe something rising or becoming more apparent. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is 'Incorrect' for general use. Therefore you should consider using more common and clear alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "flush up" appears in a variety of contexts, it is not a standard or universally accepted idiom. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to describe something rising or becoming visible but Ludwig AI suggests its usage is incorrect. Therefore, using more common and precise alternatives is generally advisable to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations. More established alternatives include phrases like "bring to the surface" or "rise up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring to the surface

Focuses on revealing or making something visible that was previously hidden.

rise up

Emphasizes upward movement or elevation.

come to light

Indicates the revealing of information or facts.

draw attention to

Highlights the act of making something noticeable.

make apparent

Stresses the act of clarifying or making something obvious.

bring forward

Suggests presenting something for consideration or discussion.

reveal

Simple and direct way of saying something is being made known.

uncover

Similar to 'reveal' but often implies something was intentionally hidden.

expose

Often implies revealing something scandalous or harmful.

highlight

Focuses on emphasizing certain aspects or details.

FAQs

What does "flush up" mean?

The phrase "flush up" is not a standard idiom and its meaning can vary based on context. It generally implies something rising to the surface or becoming visible. Consider using more common alternatives for clarity.

What can I say instead of "flush up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bring to the surface", "rise up", or "come to light" to convey similar meanings with greater clarity.

Is "flush up" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "flush up" appears in some contexts, it's not considered a standard grammatical construction. Using clearer and more conventional phrasing is generally recommended.

How can I use "bring to the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "bring to the surface" to indicate revealing information, such as: "The investigation helped bring new details to the surface."