up-and-coming: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Up-and-coming is an idiomatic phrase used in American English to describe someone or something that is likely to become successful or popular in the future. This phrase is typically used in a positive context and conveys a sense of anticipation and promise. The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the 19th century, where "up" signifies progress or movement towards success, and "coming" suggests the future. The combination of these two words creates a metaphorical image of something or someone on the rise, steadily making progress towards a successful position or recognition.

The concept of "up-and-coming" can also be traced to its literal sense in nautical contexts. In this context, "coming up" referred to a ship or object rising to the surface from below. This nautical reference provides a visual foundation for the idiomatic use of "up-and-coming."

The versatility and flexibility of this idiom allow it to be applied to various fields, such as business, arts, and sports. It is often used to describe emerging talents, promising artists, aspiring entrepreneurs, or even up-and-coming neighborhoods. The phrase gained popularity in the early 20th century and has since found its way into common usage.

It is worth noting that while "up-and-coming" inherently evokes a sense of optimism and anticipation, its usage can also imply a degree of uncertainty or unpredictability. The term suggests a position that is not yet fully established, leaving room for both success and potential setbacks. This aspect of the idiom reflects the dynamic nature of progress and reinforces the idea that success is not guaranteed, even for individuals or things that initially show promise.

The idiom "up and coming" is closely related to the term "up-and-comer." An up-and-comer refers to a person who is on the rise, ambitious, and likely to achieve success in their field. These individuals are often seen as promising and talented, with a potential for future greatness. They may be young professionals, rising stars, or individuals who have recently gained recognition for their achievements.

Another related idiom is "on the rise." This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is experiencing a significant increase in popularity, influence, or success. It implies a rapid ascent and suggests that the person or thing in question is gaining momentum and becoming more prominent in their respective field or industry. Similar to "up-and-coming," "on the rise" conveys a sense of progress and potential.

"on the up" is yet another idiom closely related to "up-and-coming." This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is improving or experiencing positive growth. It suggests a trajectory of upward progress and indicates that the person or thing in question is moving towards a more favorable position or outcome. Like "up-and-coming," "on the up" conveys a sense of optimism and anticipation of further success.

The idiomatic phrase "up-and-coming" describes someone or something that is likely to become successful or popular in the future. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century and its usage has since become deeply embedded in American English. The idiom is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, conveying a sense of progress, ambition, and the anticipation of brighter prospects. It is closely related to the idioms "up-and-comer," "on the rise," and "on the up," which further emphasize the idea of future success, potential, and upward growth.