Idioms beginning with U

up a creek without a paddle

Meaning: being in trouble.

Example: With no savings, being fired will leave me up the creek without a paddle. Read on

upside down

Meaning: literally refers to an object that has been reoriented so that the portion which would otherwise be considered the top is now at the bottom, i.e., it is in an inverted position.

Example: Out of embarrassment, I turned the book upside down so that he would not see the title of what I was reading. Read on

under the auspices

Meaning: under the protection, sponsorship, or patronage

Example: We restored the home under the auspices of the historical society. Read on

under siege

Meaning: to be under attack

Example: The president came under siege for his radical decisions. Read on

under fire

Meaning: being shot at

Example: The politician came under fire after it was discovered that he had spend campaign money on lavish parties. Read on

up and about

Meaning: to get out of the bed actively after sleep

Example: He was up and about within a few days of the operation. Read on

up to no good

Meaning: to have an evil plan

Example: The children can be up to no good cooped up in that attic together for two hours. You must go up and check. Read on

under the radar

Meaning: going unnoticed, avoiding unnecessary attention

Example: They managed to stay under the radar for years, after stealing all that money from their friends. Read on

ups and downs

Meaning: good times and bad times

Example: Every relationship has its ups and downs. It is important to stick it out. Read on

up to the mark

Meaning: to be good enough

Example: Your exam results this term were not up to the mark. Read on

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