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 more ➺
Idioms beginning with U
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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 more ➺
under the auspices
Meaning: under the protection, sponsorship, or patronage
Example: We restored the home under the auspices of the historical society. Read more ➺
under siege
Meaning: to be under attack
Example: The president came under siege for his radical decisions. Read more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
up to the mark
Meaning: to be good enough
Example: Your exam results this term were not up to the mark. Read more ➺
