cough out

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Word: "Cough out"

Definition: "Cough out" is a verb phrase that means to forcefully expel air, along with any mucus or phlegm, from the lungs through the mouth. You usually do this when you have a cold or some irritation in your throat or lungs.

Usage Instructions:

1. When to Use: You can use "cough out" when talking about the action of coughing, especially when it involves bringing up phlegm or mucus.
2. Form: It is typically used in the present tense (e.g., "I cough out") or past tense (e.g., "I coughed out").

Example Sentences:

• After being sick all week, I finally managed to cough out the phlegm that was bothering me.
• He had to cough out some mucus before he could speak clearly.

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, "cough out" can also describe the act of expressing something in a forceful or abrupt manner, not just related to physical coughing. For example: - She coughed out her thoughts on the matter during the meeting, surprising everyone with her honesty.

Word Variants:

• Cough (verb): The base form of the word, meaning to expel air from the lungs suddenly.
• Coughing (noun/verb): The act of making the sound of a cough or the process itself.
• Cough (noun): The sound made when coughing or a condition characterized by frequent coughing.

Different Meanings:

While "cough out" generally refers to the physical act of coughing, it can also imply the idea of revealing or expressing something that was previously hidden. For example: - The witness finally coughed out the truth about what happened that night.

Synonyms:

• Expel: To push out, often used in medical contexts.
• Hock (informal): To cough up, often used for bringing something up from the throat.
• Clear (one’s throat): To make a sound in the throat, often before speaking.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Cough it up: This is an idiom that means to give or share something, especially money or information, often reluctantly.

  • Example: "He finally coughed it up and paid for dinner."

• Cough up: Similar to "cough it up," it can mean to produce something, especially when it’s difficult to do so.

  • Example: "She had to cough up the answers during the quiz."

Summary:

"Cough out" is primarily used to describe the physical act of coughing up mucus or phlegm, but it can also be used metaphorically to express the forceful sharing of information.

Academic

Verb

1. discharge (phlegm or sputum) from the lungs and out of the mouth

Synonyms

• expectorate
• cough up
• spit up
• spit out