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Region: US | Usage example: The company has been on the up and up since the new CEO arrived.

On the up and up

Meaning

Honest or improving.

Usage

Used to describe integrity or upward progress.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

American slang for legitimate dealings.

Appears in 19th-century newspapers describing honest merchants.

Related Idioms

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.

Hit the books

Start studying with focus and dedication.

Jump on the bandwagon

Adopt a popular trend or join others in doing something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.