On the up and up ⬆️📈

Meaning

The state of being honest, legitimate, or improving.

Origin

This phrase likely emerged from the world of horse racing in the mid-20th century. A horse that was 'on the up and up' was one that ran cleanly and fairly, without any shady business or 'fixing.' It performed honestly. The imagery suggests a steady, honest ascent, not a deceptive dive. This core idea of legitimate, upward movement is what gives the phrase its enduring meaning of transparency and genuine progress or integrity.

⚖️✅ honesty 🏆 success ☠️ risk 📅🕰️ 20th 21st century

On the up and up represented with emoji⬆️📈

This playful arrangement of ⬆️📈 invites us to consider the optimistic trajectory of our lives, suggesting that perhaps everything is indeed "on the up and up." It's a charming little nod to progress and positivity, serving as a delightful reminder that sometimes, the simplest symbols can convey the most uplifting messages.

Examples

  • You can trust him; his business is on the up and up.
  • After a difficult quarter, sales are finally on the up and up.
  • The mayor assured everyone that all city contracts were on the up and up, no funny business allowed, not even by the gnomes.
  • My pet dragon's flying skills are definitely on the up and up; he's almost mastered the loop-de-loop... mostly.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'on the up and up' a proverb or an idiom?

'On the up and up' is considered an idiom. It's a common English expression whose meaning isn't deducible from the literal meaning of its constituent words; it signifies something honest or improving.

What's the opposite of 'on the up and up'?

The opposite of 'on the up and up' can be expressed as 'shady,' 'dishonest,' or 'underhanded.' These terms capture the sense of deception or illegitimate dealings that the phrase aims to exclude.

Are there similar phrases to 'on the up and up'?

Yes, similar phrases include 'straight and narrow,' 'above board,' and 'legit.' These expressions share the core meaning of honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Is the phrase 'on the up and up' always positive?

While typically positive, implying honesty or improvement, the context can sometimes introduce a subtle irony or a hint of skepticism. However, the inherent meaning remains that of transparency and genuine progress.

Similar to "on the up and up"

Above board
Both suggest legitimacy and honesty, but 'above board' feels more formal, like a carefully declared transaction at the highest level, whereas 'on the up and up' is a bit more down-to-earth, like things are just naturally working out cleanly
Straight arrow
Both point to moral rectitude, but 'straight arrow' focuses more on personal character – someone who adheres strictly to rules and principles – while 'on the up and up' describes a situation or venture that is fundamentally sound and trustworthy
On the level
Both convey sincerity and a lack of deception, but 'on the level' carries a hint of folksy, direct dealing – imagine two people looking each other in the eye – whereas 'on the up and up' often implies a process or outcome that is improving and therefore demonstrably trustworthy

Opposite of "on the up and up"

Shady dealings
This phrase argues that hidden, dishonest, and quite possibly illegal activities are happening, directly countering the transparency and integrity implied by 'on the up and up' by suggesting a complete absence of legitimacy
A whole different ballgame
This suggests that the rules have changed entirely, implying that the previous norms of honesty or straightforwardness (like 'on the up and up') are no longer applicable or even relevant, possibly ushering in a more complex, less predictable, or even ethically murky environment
Smoke and mirrors
This argues that what appears to be legitimate or impressive is actually a carefully constructed illusion designed to deceive, directly challenging the straightforward honesty of 'on the up and up' by proposing that appearances are deeply misleading

Related to "on the up and up"

Clean slate
Like 'on the up and up,' this phrase speaks to a fresh start, but specifically one that sheds past mistakes or dishonesty, setting the stage for future upright conduct
Game plan
While 'on the up and up' suggests a positive trajectory and honest execution, 'game plan' refers to the deliberate strategy guiding that honest endeavor, implying the thoughtful design behind the success
In the clear
This phrase shares the sense of being free from suspicion or wrongdoing that is core to 'on the up and up,' but focuses more on the state of having overcome past problems rather than an ongoing process of improvement
Smooth sailing
This phrase celebrates the lack of obstacles and the easy progress that often characterizes something that is truly 'on the up and up.'