turns, turned, turning
to turn up
phrasal verbE
To arrive or appear unexpectedly or after being lost
- 1He finally turned up at the party.
- 2My missing keys turned up in the kitchen.
Imagine you are waiting for a friend at a party, but they don't show up. Suddenly, they turn up out of nowhere. This means they arrived unexpectedly or after being lost. It's like a surprise appearance when you least expect it.
Remember, "to turn up" can also mean to increase the volume on a device. To avoid confusion, think of it as "turning up" the sound to make it louder, just like your friend suddenly appearing at the party.
waiting for the bus
Unexpected Reunion
Matthew
I can't believe my old backpack finally turned up after all these months!
Elizabeth
That's amazing! Where did you find it?
Matthew
It was at the lost and found at the station.
Elizabeth
Wow, things really do show up when you least expect them.
at the movies
Surprise Encounter at the Movies
Steven
I can't believe you turned up here!
Patricia
I know, right? I was just passing by and decided to come in.
Steven
It's been ages since we last met.
Patricia
Yeah, it's such a nice surprise to see you here.
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Similar to "to turn up":
- 1appear
- 2arrive