Ups and downs

Meaning

Alternating periods of success and difficulty.

Usage

Describes the natural fluctuations of life or business.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

A simple description of going up and down hills or paths.

Appears in 19th-century travel narratives.