Up And At Em: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 14, 2023

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.

What Does "Up And At Em" Mean?

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.

Where Does "Up And At Em" Come From?

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:

  • Get up and get at them!
  • Up and at them!

Historical 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."

10 Examples of "Up And At Em" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use "up and at em" in different sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

  • The coach shouted, "Up and at em!" to his team before they entered the field.
  • No rest for the weary! She is always up and at em in the morning, even before her alarm goes off.
  • He had difficulty getting up and at em after a long night of partying. He was racked with guilt for drinking too much.
  • They will be up and at em as soon as they see the opportunity to make money. What can I say? Those guys are greedy.
  • She told him to be up and at em by 8 AM or he would miss his flight. That's why he set the alarm.
  • He was not up and at em when his phone alarmed him. He has always been the same old heavy sleeper.
  • Yaas! They are up and at em every weekend, exploring new places and having fun.
  • No diggity, she was up and at em in no time after her surgery, surprising everyone with her quick recovery.
  • He was up and at em when he smelled the bacon and eggs cooking in the kitchen. Chow time!
  • They were up and at em when they heard the gunshots, ready to defend themselves.

Examples of "Up And At Em" in Pop Culture

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:

  • In the 1941 animated movie Dumbo, Timothy Mouse says, "Up and at em, Dumbo!" to the baby elephant before he performs his flying act.
  • In the 1997 sci-fi novel The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, one of the characters says "Up and at em" to another character who is sleeping in a virtual reality environment.
  • In the 2003 comedy movie Elf, Buddy says "Up and at em" to his father before he drags him out of bed to have some fun.
  • In the 2008 animated movie Kung Fu Panda, Po says, "Up and at em" to himself before he trains with Master Shifu.
  • In the 2014 comic book series The Multiversity by Grant Morrison, one of the characters says "Up and at em" to another character who is a superhero version of Abraham Lincoln.

Other Ways to Say "Up And At Em"

There are different ways to say "up and at em" with a similar meaning or intention. Here are some of them:

  • Rise and shine
  • Let's go
  • Chop chop
  • Move it
  • Hustle
  • Get cracking
  • Get a move on
  • Snap to it
  • Shake a leg
  • Time to rock and roll

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Up And At Em"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom "up and at em" and their answers:

  • What does "up and at em" mean?

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.

  • What is the origin of "up and at em"?

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!"

  • What are other ways to say "up and at em"?

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.

  • What part of speech is "up and at em"?

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.

  • Is "up and at em" formal or informal?

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.

  • How do you pronounce "up and at em"?

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.

  • What does it mean to be "up for something"?

To be "up for something" means to be willing or eager to do something.

Example: She’s always "up for" a challenge.

  • What does it mean to be "up to something"?

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.

  • What does it mean to "be at something"?

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.

  • How do you respond to "up and at em"?

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!"

Final Thoughts About "Up And At Em"

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:

  • 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.
  • It has some variations and related expressions that have the same meaning.
  • The phrase has been used in various contexts and situations.

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