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bubble up

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bubble up (through something)

[for a liquid] to seep up or well up through something, such as from between rocks, through a crack in the floor, or through a hole in the bottom of a boat. The water bubbled up through a crack in the basement floor.

See also: bubble, up

bubble up

to appear suddenly When she laughs, a happy child's laugh bubbles up out of her. The most interesting ideas in education have bubbled up in places as different as New York and Arizona.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of bubble up (to rise to the surface of a liquid)

See also: bubble, up

bubble up

v.

1. To rise due to a bubbling motion: Water bubbled up through the hole in the boat. Foam always bubbles up onto the counter when I wash the dishes.

2. To rise or increase steadily in intensity: Anger bubbled up in his chest when he heard their crude remarks.

3. To express some positive emotion: She bubbled up with joy when she got accepted into college.

See also: bubble, up