crop up

verb

1. informal,  (intr, adverb) to occur or appear, esp unexpectedly

Idioms and Phrases

Appear unexpectedly or occasionally, as in One theory that crops up periodically is the influence of sunspots on stock prices, or We hope new talent will crop up in the next freshman class. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

She has told the BBC that Prince Harry "was busy looking at his own case and then my name kept cropping up" and "so he felt that I should know about it".

From BBC

Also watch out for Wednesday 10 September when the first and deputy first ministers are due to appear before the Executive Office committee, and no doubt this issue will crop up again.

From BBC

"Vineyards are cropping up in parts of Wales where there is this micro-climate and we hope to raise awareness of the sector and spark an interest," said Gwen.

From BBC

The same points keep cropping up when people who know Ngumoha talk about him: he has a great mentality, is a top dribbling talent, and that his brother James has been crucial to his development.

From BBC

Proposals for new wind farms kept cropping up, and she contested as many as she could, even ones three hours from her home.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrive 
• come 
• come out 
• develop 
• emerge 
• materialize 
• occur 
• pop up 
• present 
• show 
• show up 
• surface 
• turn out 
• turn up