cough up

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ostap77

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Sep 9, 2010
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To give something unwillingly.

"I wanted to borrow a text-book from him. At first he didn't want to give it but than he coughed it up." OK?
 

bhaisahab

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Apr 12, 2008
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Retired English Teacher
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British English
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England
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Ireland
To give something unwillingly.

"I wanted to borrow a text-book from him. At first he didn't want to give it but than he coughed it up." OK?
No, not really. We use "cough up" in connection with money, information or similar.
 
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