bring on

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle on

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start

Why “on”? A device starts working, a session or event begins, or a condition starts to develop.

Stress brought on a migraine.
Stress caused a migraine to start.
That song brought on a wave of sadness.
That song caused a strong feeling of sadness to start.
2

Help someone or something develop or improve

Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.

The coach is bringing on young players.
The coach is helping young players develop.
The warm spring weather brought the plants on quickly.
The warm spring weather helped the plants 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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