be on the up and up

The expression be on the up and up is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the be on the up and up idiom.

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 power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.