up and at ’em: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘up and at 'em’ mean?
The idiom "up and at 'em" means to get up and start working or taking action with enthusiasm and determination.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "with no further ado" means to proceed or begin something quickly and without delay, without wasting any more time on unnecessary actions or words. It suggests that there is no need for any additional preparation or introduction before taking action.
The idiom "upon the instant" means immediately or without delay.
The idiom "up on" means to be knowledgeable or well-informed about a particular subject or topic.
The idiom "uphill battle" means facing a difficult task or challenge that requires great effort and perseverance to overcome. It implies that progress and success will be hard to achieve due to the opposing forces or obstacles involved.
The idiom "up front" means to be honest, transparent, or straightforward. It refers to someone who is open and clear about their intentions, actions, or expectations.
The idiom "up for" means being available or willing to participate in a particular activity or event. It implies being open to considering or accepting an opportunity or challenge.
The idiom "up and running" means that something is operational or functioning as expected after being set up or started. It implies that the initial difficulties or obstacles have been overcome and the system or project is now in full operation.
The idiom "up and down" generally means to move or take action in both a vertical and horizontal direction. It can also refer to a person's emotions or opinions fluctuating between positive and negative. The context will determine the specific meaning.
The idiom "up-and-coming" refers to someone or something that is aspiring to success or prominence. It describes individuals or things that are on their way up and have the potential to achieve great things in the future.
Origins Unleashed
The idiom "up and at 'em" is related to several other idiomatic expressions that convey a similar meaning of motivation and getting started. Let's take a closer look at each of these related idioms.
"rise and shine" is a common phrase used to encourage someone to wake up and start their day with energy and enthusiasm. It carries a similar sense of urgency and motivation as "up and at 'em," emphasizing the importance of getting up and getting started on the day.
Similarly, "hit it up" is another idiomatic expression that conveys a message of taking action and starting something with vigor. It can be used to encourage someone to start a project, embark on a new endeavor, or simply get moving.
The phrase "get moving" is also closely related to "up and at 'em," as it encourages individuals to start taking action and making progress. It implies that in order to achieve one's goals, it is important to get moving and begin the journey.
An even more direct and informal phrase that conveys the same message is "get one's ass in gear." This idiomatic expression uses strong language to emphasize the need for urgency and action. It encourages individuals to stop delaying and start getting things done.
Lastly, "off and running" is another related idiom that conveys the idea of getting started and making progress. It implies that once one is in motion and taking action, they will be able to continue with momentum and accomplish their goals.
These idiomatic expressions all share a common theme of motivation, urgency, and the need to get started. They encourage individuals to overcome any obstacles or inertia and approach tasks with energy and enthusiasm. Whether it's waking up in the morning, starting a new project, or tackling challenges, these idioms serve as reminders to take action and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "up and at 'em" can be used in a sentence:
- He woke up early, ready to face the day, and said, "Up and at 'em!"
- The coach encouraged his team before the game, saying, "Come on, guys, up and at 'em!"
- After a good night's sleep, she got up and started her day with enthusiasm, exclaiming, "Up and at 'em, world!"
More "Motivation" idioms
