What does the idiom "up and coming" mean?

The expression up and coming 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 up and coming idiom.

Meaning of "up and coming"

Meaning

The idiom ‘up and coming’ is used to describe someone or something that is likely to become successful in the near future. It describes someone or something that is on the rise, gaining in popularity and influence, and likely to become a big success in the future. This expression is usually used in a positive light, and implies potential and enthusiasm rather than something that has already achieved success.

Etymology

The expression ‘up and coming’ first appeared in the early 19th century, and its origin is unknown. It may have been derived from the phrase ‘come up’, which describes an event or thing that has grown in popularity or achieved success. It is also possible that the phrase was inspired by the idea of a rising star, which has been used to describe successful individuals since at least the 16th century.

Usage

The expression ‘up and coming’ is typically used to describe people, businesses, products, or trends. It can be used to refer to an individual who is gaining prominence and respect within a particular field or industry, a business that is growing in profitability, a product that is becoming increasingly popular, or a trend that is growing in popularity and influence.

For example, one might say, “John is an up and coming designer. He's been getting a lot of attention lately, and I think he's going to be big in the fashion industry.” Similarly, one could say, “The company is an up and coming tech giant. They're rapidly expanding, and they're sure to be a major player in the industry soon.”

Example Sentences

  • “The new restaurant downtown is an up and coming hotspot. You should go check it out before it gets too popular.”
  • “Jane is an up and coming investor. She's made some really smart investments recently, and she's sure to be successful.”
  • “Joe's band is an up and coming indie rock group. They just got signed to a major label, and I think they're going to go far.

The meanings of the words in the "up and coming" idiom

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.

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