show up

To arrive or come to an event or place, sometimes unexpectedly.

• He showed up late.
• Nobody showed up for the first class.
• Will your sister show up at the party?

How to use it: show up at/for something (Only six people showed up for the meeting.)

Similar words: arrive, turn up, appear

Common phrases: show up late, show up at work

To be easy to see or notice.

• The stain shows up clearly.
• Her red coat showed up against the snow.
• Will these marks show up in the photo?

How to use it: show up on/against something (Dark stains show up on white shirts.)

Similar words: stand out, be visible

Common phrases: show up clearly, show up on something

To make someone seem less skilled or capable, especially by doing better than them.

• Do not show me up!
• His younger brother showed him up at chess.
• She showed up the experts by solving the problem first.

How to use it: show someone up (She showed me up by winning without any practice.)

Similar words: outshine, put to shame

Common phrases: show up someone, show up a rival

To make something visible or reveal something that was hard to notice.

• This light shows up the dust.
• The test showed up several hidden problems.
• Will that paint show up every little mark?

How to use it: show something up (The bright lamp showed the cracks up clearly.)

Similar words: reveal, expose, highlight

Common phrases: show up something, show up flaws