Dictionary

on the up-and-up en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

First use appears in the US c. 1863. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is theorized to have originated in sports betting.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) Legitimate; honest; upright.
   • You double-cross me, you son of a bitch. I bet English gave you a sawbuck so he could take her out and give her a jump, and you sit back there collecting fifty bucks from me becuss^([sic]) I'm sap enough to think you're on the up-and-up with me. 1934, John O'Hara, Appointment in Samarra, published 2013, →ISBN, page 165:
   • Before paying any money, make sure the organization is on the up-and-up.
   • “Which you also have to order from his Web site, I'm betting. Are you sure this doctor is on the up-and-up?” “He wrote a book, Abs. Of course he's on the up-and-up.” 2013, Kate Collins, Seed No Evil, Penguin, →ISBN:
2. (UK, idiomatic, informal) Becoming more successful; on the rise.

Forms

Relateds

on the up

Synonyms

above board · bona fide

Translations (2)

pl legalny (legitimate) · es honesto (legitimate)