1. Definition: Come up (phrasal verb) = to arise or occur unexpectedly; to be mentioned or discussed; to approach in time or space; or to move upward toward someone or something.

“Come up” is one of those essential phrasal verbs that native speakers use dozens of times daily without thinking about it. It’s remarkably versatile, covering several connected meanings that all share a sense of something appearing, arising, or approaching.

The most common meaning is when something arises unexpectedly. “Something came up” is the classic excuse when you need to cancel plans — it means an unplanned situation occurred that demands your attention. Problems come up at work. Issues come up in relationships. Opportunities come up when you least expect them. This usage captures life’s unpredictability — things emerge that weren’t part of the plan.

Equally common is when topics are mentioned or discussed. “Your name came up in conversation” means someone mentioned you. “The subject of money came up” means finances became part of the discussion. Things come up in meetings, interviews, arguments, and casual chats — they enter the conversation.

The word also describes approaching events: “I have an exam coming up next week” means it’s approaching in time. And physically, you can come up to someone (approach them) or come up the stairs (move upward).

Examples from the street:

• “Sorry, I can’t make dinner tonight — something came up at work” → an unexpected situation arose that I need to deal with
• “Your name came up in the meeting this morning” → someone mentioned you during the discussion
• “I’ve got a job interview coming up on Friday” → I have an interview approaching at the end of the week

2. Most Common Patterns

• something comes up → an unexpected situation arises
• come up in + conversation/meeting/discussion → be mentioned or discussed
• have something coming up → have an event approaching
• come up with + idea/solution/plan → think of or produce something (separate phrasal verb)
• come up to + person → approach someone physically
• come up against + obstacle/problem → encounter a difficulty
• when the opportunity comes up → when a chance arises
• if anything comes up → if any situation arises

3. Idioms

• come up short → fail to reach a required amount or standard; not quite succeedExample: “We tried our best but came up short in the final minutes of the match.”
• come up roses → turn out very well; end successfully despite difficultiesExample: “Everything seemed disastrous at first, but it all came up roses in the end.”

4. Example Sentences

1. I was going to call you, but something came up and I completely forgot→ I intended to phone, but an unexpected situation arose and it slipped my mind.
2. The issue of funding came up several times during the board meeting→ The topic of money was mentioned repeatedly throughout the directors’ discussion.
3. We’ve got some important deadlines coming up next month→ Significant due dates are approaching in the weeks ahead.
4. A stranger came up to me on the street and asked for directions→ An unknown person approached me in public and requested help finding a location.
5. Let me know if any problems come up while I’m away→ Inform me if any issues arise during my absence.
6. The topic never came up — we talked about everything except that→ The subject was never mentioned; we discussed all other things but avoided that one.
7. She came up against a lot of resistance when she proposed the changes→ She encountered significant opposition when she suggested the modifications.
8. Whenever an opportunity comes up, you should take it→ Any time a chance arises, you ought to seize it.
9. I’ll be free to help unless something comes up at the last minute→ I’m available to assist provided no unexpected situations arise suddenly.
10. His past came up during the interview, and he had to explain everything→ His history was mentioned in the meeting, requiring him to address it fully.

5. Personal Examples

1. Grammar questions often come up unexpectedly during conversation practice→ Language structure enquiries frequently arise without warning while students practise speaking.
2. If new vocabulary comes up naturally in class, I always take time to explain it→ When unfamiliar words arise organically during lessons, I make sure to teach them.

6. Register: Neutral / Informal

✔ Native usage tips

• “Something came up” is the universal, polite excuse for cancelling plans — it implies an unexpected obligation without requiring details
• “Come up with” is a separate phrasal verb meaning to invent or think of something: “Can you come up with a better idea?”
• “Coming up” alone is used by TV presenters: “Coming up after the break…” — meaning what’s approaching next
• “Come up against” specifically means encountering obstacles or opposition
• The phrase is extremely common in spoken English — mastering it makes you sound natural

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Arise → more formal; come up is the everyday equivalent for situations occurring
• Crop up → very similar for unexpected occurrences; slightly more informal and British
• Turn up → similar but often means appearing physically or being found; come up is broader