Words / C2

BROHCH/brəʊtʃ/

To broach a subject is to raise it for discussion, often when it is awkward: broach the topic, broach the question of pay. Raise, introduce, and mention (already in the dictionary) are everyday and milder. A tap in a barrel is the old physical sense. Do not save the empty n for the drinks.

Meaning

To raise a difficult subject for discussion (broach a subject).

Examples

• “Broach the empty n in the meeting; do not save it for the drinks.”
• “Raise is everyday (already in A2). Introduce is of a topic or a person (already in B1). Mention is lighter (already in A2). An awkward sentence in the minutes can still be exact. An anecdote that never states the cell is a hole. Put the number on the table; then the wine.”

Good to know

Raise (a difficult subject). Everyday: raise / mention (already in this dictionary). Close: introduce (already in B1). Also: tap a cask. Drinks ≠ a methods sentence.

Near in meaning

raise, introduce, mention, moot

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