bubble under
C1 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To be almost there — nearly at the top or ready to come out, but not quite yet.
Literal meaning: For bubbles or liquid activity to occur beneath the surface without breaking through.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To be ranked just below the main chart positions, especially in music, without quite reaching the top.
"The band's new single has been bubbling under the Top 40 for three weeks now."
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
For an emotion, tension, or idea to exist just below the surface without fully emerging.
"There was a sense of frustration bubbling under the surface throughout the meeting."
Usage notes
Often used in music industry jargon to describe a song or artist that is just below the top of the charts. Also used metaphorically for emotions or ideas about to surface. Primarily British English.
Commonly used with
charts surface tension resentment idea feeling
Forms
Base
bubble under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bubbles under
he/she/it
Past simple
bubbled under
yesterday
Past participle
bubbled under
have + pp
-ing form
bubbling under
continuous
Understand "bubble under" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
simmer lurk beneath hover below smolder be on the verge
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "bubble under" on Looplines