bring up a topic

[/brɪŋ ʌp ə ˈtɑːpɪk/]
verb phrase
trazer um assunto à tona
1. to introduce or mention a subject for discussion or conversation
I didn't want to bring up the topic of money at dinner.
Não queria trazer o assunto de dinheiro à tona no jantar.
2. to start talking about something that may be sensitive or controversial
She decided to bring up the topic of his past mistakes during the meeting.
Ela decidiu levantar o assunto dos erros passados dele durante a reunião.
3. to initiate a discussion about a previously avoided or deferred subject
He finally brought up the topic of moving to another city.
Ele finalmente mencionou o assunto de se mudar para outra cidade.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'bringing up a topic' can carry social significance, as it may indicate confidence, sensitivity to group dynamics, or awareness of potentially contentious subjects. Brazilians tend to be more direct in conversation and may bring up personal or sensitive topics more readily than Americans, who often employ more cautious approaches to controversial subjects.
NYC Slang
bring it up / throw it out there
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mentionraiseintroducebroachopen updiscussput forward
Antonyms / Antônimos
avoidignoresuppressdrop the subjectleave outwithhold

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trazer um assunto à tona / levantar um assunto
most common usage in everyday Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
botar um assunto na mesa
informal, colloquial usage common in Rio
São Paulo
colocar um assunto em pauta
more formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
abordar um tema / trazer um assunto
similar to Brazilian but with slightly different phrasing preferences

Related Words

conversationdiscussionsubject matterbroach a subjecttouch onaddress

Related Idioms & Phrases

open a can of worms
put it on the table
crack the subject
get the ball rolling
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