bring on

present singular third person brings on · participle present bringing on · participle past brought on · past brought on

1. idiomatictransitiveTo cause.

   Does stress bring the headaches on?

   2 more examples

   Excessive drinking can bring on depression.

   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. idiomatictransitiveusually "bring it on"To make something appear, as on a stage or a place of competition.

   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

   1 more example

   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. USidiomaticinformalintransitiveoftenTo pose a challenge or threat; to attack; to compete aggressively.

   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

   5 more examples

   Not that Briggs was capable of bringing it on. He got in, maybe, one really good shot: a right to Foreman's ample belly

   1997 November 24, “The Judges May Have Done Foreman Favor”, in Richmond Times Dispatch, Virginia

   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 devices

   2001 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 pitcher

   2007 March 27, “Lady Warriors jump out to a strong beginning”, in Ruidoso News, Ruidos, NM

4. slangtransitiveTo hire or initiate a new employee or participant in a project.

   I'll bring them on at the end of the month.