1 C1 idiomatic informal
To develop into or cause a heated argument or violent conflict.
"A minor dispute over land boundaries broiled up into a bitter legal battle."
inseparable
broil up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To cause or become involved in a heated quarrel, conflict, or disturbance.
In plain English
To start or get mixed up in a big, messy argument or fight.
What does "broil up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To heat up intensely (from cooking) — extended to describe the heat of conflict or anger building up.
Actually means
To start or get mixed up in a big, messy argument or fight.
Usage tip
Largely archaic. Rarely used in contemporary English. Based on the older sense of 'broil' (a noisy quarrel or brawl). Learners may encounter it in older literature but should use 'flare up' or 'blow up' in modern contexts.
Words that pair with "broil up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trouble conflict quarrel dispute tension
How to conjugate "broil up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
broil up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
broils up
he/she/it
Past simple
broiled up
yesterday
Past participle
broiled up
have + pp
-ing form
broiling up
continuous
Hear "broil up" in the wild
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