bob up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To suddenly appear, like a ball popping up out of the water.
Literal meaning: To move upward with a bouncing or floating motion.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To rise suddenly to the surface of water, as a floating object or person does.
"He disappeared beneath the waves and then bobbed up a few metres away, laughing."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To appear or reappear suddenly and unexpectedly, especially after an absence.
"Just when we thought the problem was solved, it bobbed up again at the next board meeting."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used both literally (a floating object rising to the surface) and figuratively (a person or problem appearing unexpectedly). The figurative sense is common in British English. Often implies that the appearance is somewhat inconvenient or surprising.
Commonly used with
surface water problem issue face name
Forms
Base
bob up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bobs up
he/she/it
Past simple
bobed up
yesterday
Past participle
bobed up
have + pp
-ing form
bobing up
continuous
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Synonyms
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