be on the up and up

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. be on the up and up meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "be on the up and up"

Meaning

The idiom 'be on the up and up' is used to describe an honest, above-board and legitimate situation. It is an indication that a person or situation is trustworthy, reliable and not shady or underhanded.

Etymology

This phrase likely originates in the nineteenth century. It was first documented in an 1871 publication called The Southern Literary Messenger. The phrase 'on the up and up' may have been also derived from the word 'upright', which was used to describe a person who was honest and respectable.

Usage

This phrase is most often used to describe a person's integrity or reliability. It can also be used to describe the legitimacy of a business or other transaction. It can also be used as a way to express positive feelings about a person or situation.

Example Sentences

• The car dealership was on the up and up and provided a great deal for us.
• John is on the up and up, so I'm sure I can trust him to do the job.
• I'm glad the situation is on the up and up so we don't have to worry about it.
• I trust my accountant to be on the up and up with my finances.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.