have up: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "have up" is a complex phrase that can be used in various ways. It can mean inviting or summoning someone to a higher place or position. For example, you might say "have someone up to your office" or "have someone up to the stage." This suggests that the person being summoned is being brought into a position of importance or influence.

Another meaning of "have up" is confronting or challenging someone. It can describe a situation where an individual is held accountable or questioned about their actions or behavior. For instance, you might say "the boss had me up in his office to explain my mistake" or "the police had the suspect up for questioning." In these cases, the idiom implies a level of scrutiny and potentially even criticism.

In addition, "have up" can be used to describe lifting something or someone upwards. This can be metaphorical and imply a form of admiration or praise. For example, when someone says "I had his achievements up in my mind," they mean that they held this person's accomplishments in high regard.

Another meaning of "have up" pertains to being awakened or disturbed from sleep or rest. This can be seen in phrases such as "the noise had me up all night" or "the baby had the entire household up at dawn." It conveys a sense of disruption or inconvenience caused by external factors, indicating a state of alertness or activity that one did not necessarily choose.

Furthermore, "have up" can also mean experiencing a sudden surge or increase in a specific condition or state. This can be observed in phrases like "the stock market had an upturn" or "her spirits had a sudden up." In these instances, the idiom signifies a positive change or improvement.

Lastly, "have up" can indicate that something or someone is suspended or stopped from progressing. This is often used in negative contexts, such as "the car had the traffic up for miles" or "the construction had the whole street up for weeks." It suggests a hindrance or obstacle that prevents smooth operation or movement.

The idiom "act up" is related to "have up" in that it signifies misbehaving or causing trouble. When someone or something "acts up," they are behaving in a disruptive or unruly manner. This can be seen in phrases like "the kids were acting up in class" or "my computer is acting up again." Similarly, when someone "acts up," they are challenging or confronting authority or rules. This can be observed in phrases such as "he always acts up when he doesn't get his way."

The idiom "have had it up to here" is related to "have up" in that it signifies reaching a point of frustration or annoyance. When someone says they have "had it up to here," they mean they are fed up or cannot tolerate a situation any longer. This can be seen in phrases such as "I've had it up to here with your excuses" or "she had had it up to here with her demanding boss." Similarly, when someone says they have "had it up to here," they are indicating that they have reached their limit and cannot take any more.

The idiom "baby up" is related to "have up" in that it signifies attending to or caring for a baby or young child. When someone "babies up," they are taking on the responsibility of looking after a baby. This can be seen in phrases such as "the teenager is going to have to baby up now that she's a mother" or "he's been babying up his younger sibling since their parents are away." Similarly, when someone "babies up," they are showing extra care and attention towards someone or something. This can be observed in phrases such as "she really babies up her pets" or "the chef babied up the presentation of the dish."