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."
inseparable
flash up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To appear suddenly and briefly, usually on a screen or in the mind.
In plain English
Something appears very quickly, like a word on a TV screen for just a second.
What does "flash up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To flash (emit a quick burst of light) upward — suggesting a sudden, bright rise into view.
Actually means
Something appears very quickly, like a word on a TV screen for just a second.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "flash up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
screen image message warning memory name
How to conjugate "flash up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "flash up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flash up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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