Drag up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdɹæɡ/ /ˈəp

DRAG-uhp

UK

dɹˈæɡ/ /ˈʌp

drag-UP

Definition

To mention something unpleasant or embarrassing from the past, often when it would be better left forgotten.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and a bit negative—usually means bringing back old issues people want to forget. Strongly associated with arguments or awkward moments. Common in 'drag up the past' or 'drag up old stories.' Do not confuse with the literal 'drag' (pull something physically).

• Spanish: sacar a relucir - mencionar (cosas del pasado)
• Portuguese (BR): trazer à tona - mencionar (assunto antigo)
• Portuguese (PT): trazer à tona - mencionar (assunto antigo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 翻旧账 - 提起（旧事）
• Chinese (Traditional): 翻舊帳 - 提起（舊事）
• Hindi: पुरानी बातें उखाड़ना
• Arabic: إثارة (مواضيع قديمة) - تذكير (بشيء من الماضي)
• Bengali: পুরনো কথা তোলা - পুরনো ঘটনা সামনে আনা
• Russian: ворошить (прошлое) - припоминать (неприятное)
• Japanese: 昔のことを持ち出す - 過去の話を蒸し返す
• Vietnamese: nhắc lại chuyện cũ - khơi lại chuyện xưa
• Korean: 과거 일을 들추다 - 예전 일을 끄집어내다
• Turkish: eski konuları açmak - geçmişi deşmek
• Urdu: پرانی باتیں یاد دلانا - پرانے معاملے نکالنا
• Indonesian: mengungkit masa lalu - membahas hal lama

Example Sentences

Please don’t drag up old arguments.

basic

He always drags up my mistakes.

basic

Let's not drag up what happened last year.

basic

Whenever we argue, you drag up things from years ago.

natural

It’s no use dragging up the past—let’s move on.

natural

She dragged up every embarrassing thing I ever did in front of everyone.

natural