up with the lark: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘up with the lark’ mean?
The idiom "up with the lark" means to wake up early in the morning, at or before sunrise.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up with the larks" means to wake up early in the morning, typically before sunrise. The phrase is often used to convey a positive attitude towards starting the day early and being productive.
"Up with the chickens" means to wake up very early in the morning, typically at the same time as chickens, which wake up at sunrise. This idiom implies being productive, energetic and ready to start the day early.
The idiom "up to something" means that someone is involved in a secret or mischievous activity, often with a sense of suspicion or curiosity surrounding their actions.
The idiom "up the river" means being in prison or being sent to prison. It originated from the idea of being taken up the river by boat to a prison facility.
The idiom "up someone's street" means that something is suited to a person's interests, skills, or preferences.
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 "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-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.
Lark's Early Revelry
The idiom "up with the lark" holds various facts and meanings. It is an idiomatic expression in English that implies waking up early in the morning, typically at or before daybreak. This phrase is often used to convey the notion of being diligent, proactive, or energetic. The term "lark" in this context refers to a songbird associated with early morning singing.
The phrase "up with the lark" can be traced back to the early 17th century, with its first recorded use found in a 1611 play by George Chapman. This expression has continued to be used throughout the centuries, both in written and spoken English, making it a well-established idiom. Its popularity stems from its ability to vividly depict the act of waking up early and the positive connotations that come with it.
The idiom "up with the lark" may have originated from the observation of larks singing as they soar upwards during their morning flight. This behavior, combined with their melodic song, led people to associate waking up early with the chirping of these birds. This connection eventually gave rise to the idiom's usage in English-speaking communities, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Today, "up with the lark" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It can be found in literature, conversation, and various forms of media. This idiom has become deeply ingrained in the English language, with individuals from different backgrounds understanding its meaning and implications.
The idiom "up with the lark" not only conveys the idea of waking up early but also carries a deeper significance. It is often used metaphorically to emphasize qualities such as industriousness, discipline, and a proactive approach to life. By associating these virtues with rising with the lark, this idiom serves as a reminder of the rewards that come from early rising and seizing the opportunities that arise during the early hours of the day.
While "up with the lark" is widely used, it still allows for personal interpretation and experiences. Each individual may connect with this phrase differently, finding their own motivation and inspiration in embracing the early hours of the day. This unique subjective response to the idiom keeps it alive and relevant, allowing it to continue resonating with people across generations and cultures.
The related idioms "up with the larks", "up with the chickens", and "get up with the chickens" share the common theme of waking up early. "Up with the larks" is a variant of the original idiom "up with the lark", emphasizing the idea of waking up at the same time as the birds start to sing in the morning. Similarly, "up with the chickens" and "get up with the chickens" imply waking up at the same time as the chickens, which is considered very early in the day.
These idioms highlight the importance of starting the day early and being productive. They suggest that waking up early allows individuals to seize the opportunities that come with the early morning hours. By incorporating these related idioms into the discussion of "up with the lark", we gain a broader understanding of the significance of waking up early and the various ways it is expressed in the English language.
Example usage
Examples:
1. She's always up with the lark, even on weekends.
2. John is not a morning person, he doesn't get up with the lark.
3. We need to rise up with the lark tomorrow to catch our early flight.
More "Time" idioms
