be up and about

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase be up and about, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression be up and about used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "be up and about"

Meaning

The phrase "be up and about" is a phrase that is used to describe someone who is active and busy doing something. It is usually used when referring to a person who is recovered from an illness or injury and is now able to move more freely. The phrase can also be used to describe someone who is going out and doing activities, either personally or professionally.

Etymology

The phrase "be up and about" originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1700s. It is derived from the phrase "to be up and doing something," which was widely used in the UK during this period. It was used to describe a person who was engaged in some sort of activity or work, and was not sitting idle. In other words, it was a phrase that indicated a person's energy and productivity.

Usage

The phrase "be up and about" is usually used in an informal setting, such as in everyday conversation. It can also be used in a more formal way to describe someone's activities. For example, a doctor might say, "I'm pleased to see that you are up and about again," or when discussing a business, one might say, "We need to get up and about to get the project finished on time."

Example Sentences

• After his long illness, it was a relief to see him up and about again.
• We need to be up and about if we want to get this job done in time.
• The CEO is always up and about, travelling to different countries to meet potential investors.

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.