Up Idioms

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keyed up

Meaning: Feeling nervous, anxious, or tense before an event.

Example: She was keyed up the night before her driving test and couldn't fall asleep. Read more ➺


shape up or ship out

Meaning: Strong warning: improve your behavior or performance, or leave.

Example: After missing several deadlines, the boss told the employee: shape up or ship out. Read more ➺


kick up a row

Meaning: To make a loud disturbance or cause a commotion.

Example: The customers kick up a row when the restaurant serves cold food, shouting and demanding to see the manager. Read more ➺


glow up

Meaning: A positive personal transformation that includes improved style, confidence, or maturity.

Example: She experienced a glow up over the summer and now radiates confidence. Read more ➺


up shit creek without a paddle

Meaning: To be in an extremely difficult or unpleasant situation with no apparent way of escaping it.

Example: After his car broke down in the middle of the desert, he realized he was truly up shit creek without a paddle. Read more ➺


pick up

Meaning: Gain or acquire something, especially through learning or experience.

Example: She managed to pick up Spanish during her trip to Mexico. Read more ➺


pony up

Meaning: To pay money that is owed or required, especially when one is reluctant to do so.

Example: After a long argument, he finally ponied up the cash for the group dinner. Read more ➺


wake-up call

Meaning: An event or situation that alerts people to a problem or danger, prompting them to take action.

Example: The sudden drop in sales was a wake-up call for the company to revamp its marketing strategy. Read more ➺


settle up

Meaning: Conclude financial dealings by ensuring all parties have received their due payments.

Example: After dinner, we all agreed to settle up the bill before leaving the restaurant. Read more ➺


ante up

Meaning: Increase the stakes, risk, or effort in a situation.

Example: If we want this project to succeed, we'll need to ante up more resources. Read more ➺


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