pipe up
pipe up — phrasal verb
- pipe upbase form
- pipes up3rd person singular
- piping up-ing form
- piped uppast simple
1. to speak when others are not expecting you to, often by joining a conversation i
to speak when others are not expecting you to, often by joining a conversation in a way that surprises them
In the quiet classroom, little Hana piped up asking where the toilet was.
pipe up + -ing clause describing what is said
Theo's uncle piped up from the back with an old joke nobody remembered.
pipe up + with [noun phrase]
Everyone was tired, but the baby piped up with a happy shout from her crib.
The quiet intern finally piped up with a useful idea before the meeting ended.
- stay quiet
deliberately choosing not to speak when you could
- hold one's tongue
idiomatic, emphasises self-control
文法句型
pipe up + with [noun phrase]
pipe up + [direct speech]
用法筆記
Commonly used for unexpected speakers — children, shy people, or anyone whose voice is a surprise in the context. The noise does not have to be words; a sudden laugh, shout or animal sound also fits.
常見錯誤
2. to express your opinion after a period of silence or hesitation, especially when
to express your opinion after a period of silence or hesitation, especially when you disagree with something
After sitting silently for an hour, Yuki finally piped up about the faulty equipment.
pipe up + about [topic] after hesitation
Saira is shy, but she piped up bravely when the teacher mentioned an unfair rule.
Children were too scared to pipe up about the bullying until a new counselor arrived.
Leo finally piped up and told the committee the budget numbers did not add up.
- stay silent
to not say anything even when you disagree
文法句型
pipe up + about [topic]
pipe up + and [verb]
用法筆記
Carries a sense of courage or overcoming reluctance — the speaker has stayed silent up to this point, then decided to speak. Compare sense 1, which focuses on the unexpectedness of the utterance (speaking when others do not expect it) rather than the courage involved.