Dredge up Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To bring something up again, especially unpleasant memories, feelings, or past events that people have tried to forget.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is informal and usually used with negative things from the past. Common collocations: 'dredge up old memories', 'dredge up the past'. Not used for positive memories. People often use it to express annoyance at someone bringing up things that should stay forgotten.
Example Sentences
Please don't dredge up what happened last year.
basic
He always dredges up my mistakes when we argue.
basic
Why do you have to dredge up bad memories?
basic
She managed to dredge up some old feelings I thought I'd forgotten.
natural
Let’s not dredge up drama from high school—it’s over.
natural
Whenever someone brings up politics, he loves to dredge up every old argument.
natural