bring on

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on

Meanings

1

Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start

Why “on”? The connection starts. The machine, light, or device begins working.

Stress brought on a migraine.
Stress caused a migraine to start.
The cold wind brought on her cough.
The cold wind caused her cough to start.
2

Help someone or something develop or improve

Why “on”? Sliding forward along the surface. Motion that keeps going on and on.

The coach is bringing on young players.
The coach is helping young players develop.
The tutor brought on her reading quickly.
The tutor helped her reading develop quickly.

Don't confuse with

bring onbring in

Bring on means cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start. Bring in means introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation.

Test yourself

Stress brought on a migraine. What does it mean?

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