Expressing arrival, adjusting audio levels, indicating discovery.

To indicate that someone or something has arrived unexpectedly, has been located, or to request an increase in volume.

Parties or events where guests arrive late; listening to music that is too quiet; searching for misplaced items like keys or documents.

Casual everyday conversation, informal professional settings such as office meetings or casual chats with colleagues.

turn up

turn up

the music/the band, a new witness/a person, my keys/my belongings.

• late
• unexpectedly
• louder
• the volume
• be found
• recovered.

• appear
• show up
• arise — but these do not convey the idea of increasing volume or intensity.

Using 'turn up' to mean 'turn on' (e.g., turning on a device); 'turn up' means to increase intensity or volume, not to activate.

show up (more formal/neutral), turn down (opposite action: decrease volume or absence).

In some languages, learners may confuse 'turn up' with direct translations for 'arrive' or 'switch on'; 'turn up' for arrival is informal, and for volume it is neutral.

• turn-up (noun
• cuff or surprise BrE)

Carries a casual tone; often implies lateness or surprise discovery, especially when referring to people arriving late or objects being found.

Signals that an event is about to happen unexpectedly and can be used to request volume adjustments without explicit explanation.

It’ll turn up.

Commonly used in everyday situations. Ensure to differentiate between its usage for people, objects, or volume.

turn up the heat (increase pressure)