Gets Up: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 8, 2023

The idiom "gets up" means to start doing something again after rest, inactivity, or difficulty. It can also mean to overcome a challenge or problem or to recover from a setback. The idiom is often used in "get up and get going," which means taking action and not wasting time.

In short:

  • It means to begin doing something again after inactivity or rest.
  • It can pertain to overcoming a challenge after a setback.

What Does "Gets Up" Mean?

The idiom "gets up" has several meanings, depending on the speaker or writer's context and perspective.

Here are some of the primary meanings:

  • To resume doing something after a break or interruption. For example, "She got up early this morning and went for a run." This meaning implies that she had stopped running before, either because of fatigue, injury, or other reasons.
  • To overcome a difficulty or obstacle that was preventing one from doing something. For example, "He got up from his sickbed and returned to work." This meaning implies that he had been ill or unable to work before, either because of illness, injury, or other reasons.
  • To recover from a failure or disappointment that had discouraged one from doing something. For example, "She got up from her defeat and tried again." This meaning implies that she had lost a game, an exam, a contest, or another challenge before, either because of lack of skill, luck, preparation, or other reasons.

Where Does "Gets Up" Come From?

The origin and history of the idiom "gets up" are unclear. However, one possible theory is that it comes from the phrase "get up and get going," which dates back to at least the 19th century. It was used to encourage someone lazy or unmotivated to do something productive or enjoyable.

10 Examples of "Gets Up" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how this idiom can be used in sentences:

  • No diggity. He gets up early every morning to go to work.
  • She gets up from defeat in a blaze of glory and tries again.
  • He got up from his laziness and cleaned his room. Great job!
  • Good riddance. He got up from his addiction and sought help.
  • Yaas! She gets up from her fear of heights and goes skydiving.
  • About last night, he got up from his coma and opened his eyes.
  • She got up from her bad relationship and moved on with her life.
  • No mean feat. He gets up from his sick bed and goes back to work.
  • Way to go! She gets up from her car accident and resumes driving again.
  • I'm glad to hear that he gets up from his depression and starts painting again.

Examples of "Gets Up" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in pop culture:

  • In the iconic training montage from the movie "Rocky," the titular character, played by Sylvester Stallone, "gets up" and triumphantly runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, symbolizing his determination to overcome adversity and achieve his goals.
  • In the fourth installment of the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, "gets up" after being hit by the Killing Curse during the Triwizard Tournament's third task. His survival astonishes everyone and underscores his resilience in the face of danger.
  • Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (2011-2019) has several "gets up" moments throughout the series as she rises from being a powerless exiled princess to becoming an influential leader and liberator of cities in her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne.
  • In the climactic battle against the Chitauri invasion, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., "gets up" after a near-death experience and delivers the memorable line, "And I am Iron Man," before using his intelligence and technology to save the day.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Gets Up"

Here are some synonyms or alternative ways to say this idiom in different contexts and situations:

  • Resumes
  • Recovers
  • Rebounds
  • Overcomes
  • Bounces back

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Gets Up"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "gets up" mean?

The idiom "gets up" means to start doing something again after rest, inactivity, or difficulty. It can also mean to overcome a challenge or problem or to recover from a setback.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "gets up"?

The origin and history of the idiom "gets up" are unclear. However, one possible theory is that it comes from the phrase "get up and get going," which dates back to at least the 19th century. It was used to encourage someone lazy or unmotivated to do something productive or enjoyable.

  • What are some synonyms for "gets up"?

Some synonyms for "gets up" are resumes, recovers, rebounds, overcomes, bounces back, etc.

  • How do you pronounce the idiom "gets up"?

The idiom "gets up" is pronounced as /dʒɛts ʌp/ or /dʒɛts ʌp/. The first syllable rhymes with "jet," and the second rhymes with "up."

  • What are some antonyms or opposite words for the expression "gets up"?

Some antonyms or opposite words for the idiom "gets up" are: lies down, stays down, gives up, quits, fails, etc.

  • What idioms have a similar meaning to the phrase "gets up"?

Some idioms that have a similar meaning to the phrase "gets up" are: get back on track, get back on one's feet, get back on one's feet again, get back on one's feet after a fall, etc.

  • What idioms have a different meaning from the idiom "gets up"?

Some idioms that have a different meaning from the phrase "gets up" are: get up from bed, get up from a chair, get up from a couch, get up from a nap, etc.

  • How do you use the idiom "gets up" in a metaphor or a simile?

You can use it as a comparison between two similar things, such as "he got up like a phoenix," meaning he rose from his ashes after being defeated.

  • How do you use the idiom "gets up" in a rhyme or a pun?

You can use it as an end rhyme with another word with the same sound at the end of both comments.

  • How do you use the idiom "gets up" in a dialogue or a conversation?

You can use it to express one's opinion or attitude. You may also use it to express one's emotions or feelings. Lastly, you can use it to express one's intention or plan.

Final Thoughts About "Gets Up"

The idiom "gets up" is a valuable and versatile expression that can be used in various contexts and situations. It can convey different meanings, such as resuming doing something, overcoming a difficulty, recovering from a failure, or encouraging someone.

Some key points about the idiom:

  • It originated from the phrase "get up and get going," which dates back to at least the 19th century.
  • It has synonyms and alternative expressions that can be used interchangeably.
  • It can be used in different ways and various types of sentences.

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