flash up
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
Something appears very quickly, like a word on a TV screen for just a second.
Literal meaning: To flash (emit a quick burst of light) upward — suggesting a sudden, bright rise into view.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To appear suddenly and briefly on a screen or display.
"An error message flashed up on my screen just before the computer crashed."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To come suddenly into one's mind or memory.
"Her face flashed up in his mind the moment he heard the song."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To display or show something quickly on a screen (transitive).
"The presenter flashed up the results before moving on to the next slide."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Commonly used in British English for text or images appearing on a screen. Also used figuratively when a memory or idea comes to mind suddenly.
Commonly used with
screen image message warning memory name
Forms
Base
flash up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flashes up
he/she/it
Past simple
flashed up
yesterday
Past participle
flashed up
have + pp
-ing form
flashing up
continuous
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