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come up with

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To think of a new idea, or to find the money or answer that someone needs.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To produce or think of an idea, plan, or solution.

"We need to come up with a better strategy before the next board meeting."

"You've got to come up with something better than that."

— The West Wing, Season 1 (Aaron Sorkin, 1999)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To produce or find a required amount of money.

"They struggled to come up with the deposit for the apartment."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 idiomatic informal

To produce an explanation, excuse, or answer when asked.

"When asked why he was late, he couldn't come up with a convincing excuse."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written English. Very versatile: used for ideas, solutions, money, excuses, and plans. The object always follows 'with'. Cannot be separated.

Commonly used with

idea solution plan answer money excuse

Forms

Base
come up with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes up with
he/she/it
Past simple
came up with
yesterday
Past participle
come up with
have + pp
-ing form
coming up with
continuous

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