pipe up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To utter a shrill cry or to speak suddenly, especially in a high-pitched voice: "pipe up" means to start speaking or making a sound, often unexpectedly or with a voice that is higher than usual.
- To begin to play or sing: In a musical context, "pipe up" can mean to start playing an instrument or singing, often joining in with others.
Usage Examples
- Verb (to speak):
- A small voice piped up from the back of the classroom.
- He finally piped up with his opinion during the meeting.
- Verb (to play/sing):
- The flutist piped up with a cheerful melody.
- Everyone was singing, and then she piped up with the harmony.
Advanced Usage
- "to pipe up with something": to say or contribute something, often an opinion or piece of information.
- If you know the answer, don't be afraid to pipe up with it.
- Used to describe someone, especially a quiet person, starting to participate in a conversation or activity.
- The shy student rarely spoke, but she piped up during the book discussion.
Variants and Related Words
- Pipe (verb): To play a wind instrument or to convey something by pipes.
- The organist will pipe the music into the hall.
- Piping (noun/adjective): A system of pipes; a high-pitched sound.
- We heard the piping of the birds at dawn.
Synonyms
- Speak up: To express one's opinion openly.
- Chime in: To join a conversation by saying something.
- Chirp: To say something in a lively, high-pitched way.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Pipe down: (antonym) To become quiet or stop talking.
- The teacher told the class to pipe down.
Related Idioms
- Pipe dream: An unrealistic hope or fantasy.
- Becoming a movie star is just a pipe dream for most people. (Note: This idiom uses "pipe" but not the phrasal verb "pipe up". It is listed here as a common related expression.)
Verb
- utter a shrill cry
- begin to play or sing