The phrase "up and at em" is a colloquial idiom that means to get going, get busy, or get out of bed and ready for the day's activities. It is often used as a command or an encouragement to someone who is lazy, reluctant, or slow.
In short:
- "Up and at em" is a colloquial phrase that means to get going, get busy, or get out of bed and ready for the day’s activities.
- It uses "at em" as a general term for tackling a project, not referring to specific persons.
- It can also describe being vigorously launched or launching into an activity.
The expression "up and at em" is a casual way of saying someone should start doing something, get busy, or wake up and prepare for the day. It is often used to tell or motivate someone who is not very eager, fast, or active.
The origin of the phrase "up and at em" is unclear, but it is probably derived from the military. It is likely a contraction and conflation of two orders: "Get up!" (meaning 'stand and prepare') and "Get at them!" (meaning 'attack them'). The "and" is narrative, meaning 'and then.'
For example:
The earliest written record of the phrase "up and at em" dates back to 1919 in a newspaper article about boxing. It says:
"He was up and at 'em like a flash."
Here are some examples of how to use "up and at em" in different sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:
The phrase "up and at em" has also been used in various forms of pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, songs, books, and comics.
Here are some examples:
There are different ways to say "up and at em" with a similar meaning or intention. Here are some of them:
Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom "up and at em" and their answers:
The phrase "up and at em" is a colloquial idiom that means to get going, get busy, or get out of bed and ready for the day's activities.
The origin of the phrase "up and at em" is unclear, but it is probably derived from the military. It is likely a contraction and conflation of two orders: "Get up!" and "Get at them!"
Some other ways to say "up and at em" are rise and shine, move it, get cracking, shake a leg, time to rock and roll, etc.
The phrase "up and at em" can be considered an interjection, which is a word or phrase that expresses a sudden emotion or feeling. Interjections are usually followed by an exclamation mark or a comma.
The phrase "up and at em" is informal, which means it is more suitable for casual or friendly situations. It is not appropriate for formal or professional contexts, where a more polite or respectful tone is expected.
The phrase "up and at em" is pronounced as /ʌp ænd æt ɛm/, with stress on the first syllable of each word. The t sound in at may be reduced to a glottal stop (a sound made by closing the vocal cords) in fast speech.
To be "up for something" means to be willing or eager to do something.
Example: She’s always "up for" a challenge.
To be up to something means to be planning or doing something, usually something secret or suspicious. It can also imply mischief or trouble.
Example: He’s always "up to something," you never know what he’s going to do next.
To "be at something" means to be doing or working on something. It can also imply persistence or determination.
Example: She’s "been at it" for hours, trying to finish her project.
You can respond to "up and at em" by using words or phrases that indicate your readiness, willingness, or enthusiasm.
Example: "Yes, sir!", "Let’s do this!", "I’m on it!", "Bring it on!", and "Here we go!"
The expression "up and at em" is a familiar and informal way of saying "get going, get busy, or get out of bed." The phrase is often used to urge or inspire someone who is not very active, eager, or quick.
Some points to remember about the phrase:
