pipe up

British  

verb

1. to commence singing or playing a musical instrument

   the band piped up

2. to speak up, esp in a shrill voice

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pipe up Idioms  

1. Speak up, as in Finally she piped up, “I think I've got the winning ticket,” or Pipe up if you want more pancakes. This term originally referred to a high, piping tone. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

She's not one to pipe up, Do you know who I am?

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2023

During a markup, each member can pipe up by saying “strike the last word” and get five minutes to speak on any amendment, or any amendment to an amendment.

From Slate • Dec. 12, 2019

The #save hashtags come out; critics write supportive articles; celebrities pipe up.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2019

A generation of leaders rose through the ranks with the impression that they needed to be assertive, and pipe up authoritatively even when they might not have anything to add.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2018

We laugh and I pipe up, surprising myself.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon