bring on
verb1
Idiomatic To cause.
- Excessive drinking can bring on depression.
- Does stress bring the headaches on?
1 more example
- Every Scotland fan would have hoped for - but would not have expected - a relatively stress-free return to the biggest stage, a handy 2-0 or 3-0 that wasn't an assault on the senses. What they got was a nerve-shredding night, a 90-minute rollercoaster ride, an evening to bring on a migraine.2026 June 14, Tom English, “Why Haiti v Scotland was antidote to the ills of world football”, in BBC Sport:
2
Idiomatic To make something appear, as on a stage or a place of competition.
Usually "bring it on"
- The impatience here is palpable: 2000, here we come! Bring on Gore! Bring em all on!1998 October, Steve Brodner, “Dubya!”, in Esquire, volume 130, number 4, page 106:
- Stevenage's first-half performance forced a change of formation from Newcastle at the break, as they brought on Nile Ranger for Leon Best and switched to a 4-2-3-1 set-up.2011 January 8, Paul Fletcher, “Stevenage 3 - 1 Newcastle”, in BBC:
3
US, Idiomatic, Informal, Often, As imperative To pose a challenge or threat; to attack; to compete aggressively.
- Not that Briggs was capable of bringing it on. He got in, maybe, one really good shot: a right to Foreman's ample belly1997 November 24, “The Judges May Have Done Foreman Favor”, in Richmond Times Dispatch, Virginia:
- Kevin Frey and Lucas Johnson stared back and gestured to bring it on.1998 March 13, “Bringing it on: Maine W. vs. New Trier”, in Chicago Tribune:
4 more examples
- Christina Aguilera has a strong voice (she really brought it on in "Lady Marmalade," but I'm afraid her hairdo wouldn't make it past the security devices2001 October 3, “Getting Vocal About Anthems”, in Los Angeles Times:
- It's the performances, and thus far only Big Daddy truly brings it on.2005 October 27, “A Truly Big Daddy”, in San Jose Mercury News, California:
- We have a very young team and I think they've really brought it on strong at the end.2005 October 28, “First-year coaches already making impact”, in Anniston Star, Alabama:
- We have some good defensive players and Breanna Mails is really bringing it on as a pitcher2007 March 27, “Lady Warriors jump out to a strong beginning”, in Ruidoso News, Ruidos, NM:
4
Slang To hire or initiate a new employee or participant in a project.
- I'll bring them on at the end of the month.
- Related terms
- bring it, bring it on, come on, go on, it's on, on like Donkey Kong