drag up
B2-C1Informal, often pejorative when referring to past issues.
Definition
Meaning
To bring up or introduce an unpleasant topic from the past, especially in conversation.
Can also literally refer to pulling something upwards, or, in British slang, to raise a child poorly or with difficulty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used in a conversational context to criticize the act of reviving old grievances or embarrassing memories that are best forgotten.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary meaning (reviving past issues) is common in both. The literal meaning is universal. The British-specific informal slang meaning 'to raise a child (with difficulty or poorly)' is rarely used in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly negative when referring to topics. In UK, additional informal, sometimes judgemental connotation regarding upbringing.
Frequency
The figurative 'revive a topic' sense is more frequent in both varieties than other meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] drag up [Object (topic/issue)][Subject] drag up [Object] from the pastVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drag up old ghosts”
- “Drag skeletons out of the closet”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discouraged in professional conflict resolution; 'We shouldn't drag up the failed merger talks from five years ago.'
Academic
Rare; more formal terms like 'revisit' or 're-examine' are preferred.
Everyday
Common in arguments or discussions about relationships, family history, or past conflicts.
Technical
Not applicable in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He always drags up that time I missed the penalty.
- She was dragged up in a rough part of town.
- Let's not drag up the contract dispute again.
American English
- Why did you have to drag up my old tax problems?
- They dragged up every mistake I made last quarter.
- I wish they'd stop dragging up ancient history.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It's not good to drag up old arguments.
- Please don't drag up my past mistakes in front of everyone.
- The journalist's article dragged up the scandal the company had tried to bury.
- He has a tendency to drag up grievances from decades ago, poisoning the current negotiations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally DRAGGing a heavy, dirty bag UP from a basement. It's unpleasant, hard work, and best left buried.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A BURIED OBJECT (that can be unearthed). UNPLEASANT TOPICS ARE DIRT/BAGGAGE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'тащить вверх'. The figurative meaning is closer to 'вытаскивать (старые грехи)' or 'ворошить (прошлое)'.
- The British slang meaning 'to raise a child' is not directly equivalent to any single common Russian phrase.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it for neutral 'introduce a topic'.
- Confusing with 'drag on' (to continue tediously).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'drag up' used CORRECTLY in its most common figurative sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and often has a negative, critical tone.
'Bring up' is neutral. 'Drag up' implies the topic is unpleasant, buried, and its introduction is unwelcome or provocative.
No, it is a phrasal verb only. The action is described as 'dragging something up'.
Rarely. Even positive memories 'dragged up' can imply they were forgotten or buried for a reason. Use 'bring up' or 'recall fondly' instead.