1 B2 idiomatic informal
To mention or introduce an unpleasant, embarrassing, or painful topic from the past that people would prefer to forget.
"Why do you always have to drag up that argument we had three years ago?"
separable
drag up
B2 informal separable transitive
To mention something unpleasant from the past that would be better forgotten, or to raise a child poorly.
In plain English
To bring back something bad that people wanted to forget, or to raise kids without teaching them good manners.
What does "drag up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To raise a child badly, without proper care, discipline, or education. Usually used critically or humorously.
"He had no table manners at all — it was as if he'd been dragged up rather than brought up."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To drag something upward — as if pulling something heavy from a hole in the ground.
Actually means
To bring back something bad that people wanted to forget, or to raise kids without teaching them good manners.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. The 'raise a child' sense is often used critically, implying neglect or lack of proper upbringing. The 'revive old memories' sense is usually negative in tone.
Words that pair with "drag up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
memories past scandal story childhood grievances
How to conjugate "drag up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drag up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drags up
he/she/it
Past simple
draged up
yesterday
Past participle
draged up
have + pp
-ing form
draging up
continuous
Hear "drag up" in the wild
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