uppers and downers— 1. positive and negative fluctuations in fortune, business, etc.: In the case of both the uppers and the downers, it would be a good idea to examine the companies more closely to see how meaningful these one-year trends are. 2. (dated coll.) teeth: The film pokes fun of the idyllic, monochromatic life […]
Up to the last minute vs Up to the minute
up to the last minute—until the last possible moment; until the very end: Despite feverish negotiations and efforts up to the last minute, the House and Senate failed to negotiate a compromise. up to the minute— 1. (of things) most modern; the latest that can be offered: Contact us if you want an up-to-the-minute report […]
Up the creek vs Up the river
up the creek —(sl.) facing problems; in trouble (also: up the creek without a paddle): If that person is on vacation or otherwise not reachable, I am up-the-creek. up the river—(U.S. Underworld) in prison: Gary was up the river for a couple of years, but that doesn’t make him a criminal, does it? Note: The […]
Up and coming vs Up and running
up and coming—becoming more and more successful; showing great promise: David is an up and coming assistant professor in the Computer Science department. Cf.: up-andcomer—a person who has begun to be successful in some field and is likely to become even more successful in the future: Fisher is an up and comer in the music industry. […]
Unrighteous Bible vs Wicked Bible
Unrighteous Bible, the—a Bible printed in 1653, containing the printer’s error, “know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit [for ‘shall not inherit’] the Kingdom of God”: At Cambridge in 1653 was printed the justly nicknamed “Unrighteous Bible.” It was marred by two bloopers, both concerning righteousness. Wicked Bible, the—a Bible printed in 1632 with […]
Universal aunt vs Universal maid
universal aunt—a kindhearted woman who provides various assistance to her acquaintances: She efficiently acted as universal aunt for Peter and we felt this was a big help. universal maid—a female servant who does all kinds of housework: She had been in the kitchen helping Becky, the universal maid.
Underground railway (UK) vs Underground railway (U.S.)
underground railway (UK)—the underground railway transport system in a large city: The growing population made traveling in London very difficult, and it was thought that an underground railway would solve many congestion problems. underground railway (U.S.)—(hist.) the chain of safe houses used by slaves escaping from the South prior to the abolition of slavery: Windsor […]
Under water vs Underwater
under water—beneath the surface of the water: “I was flying!” Ben says. “And I could see things under water from the sky like turtles and coral reefs. It was good!” underwater —(attrib.) situated or utilized beneath the surface of the water: The underwater cable allows to fulfill the traffic needs of broad band telecommunications and […]
Under the wire vs Under wire
under the wire—just before a deadline; at the last possible moment: Nancy mailed off her application, and it got in just under the wire. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase over the wire—(dated) speaking on the telephone (also: on the wire): The second advertisement shows a Victorianlooking man speaking over […]
Under the daisies vs Under the rose
under the daisies—(euph.) dead and buried: He gradually declined for twelve months, and next harvest-time he was under the daisies. under the rose—in secret; in strict confidence: Any business transacted privately, or under the rose, is said to be done upon the sly.
Under the color of something vs Under the colors of something
under the color of something—under pretext or pretence of smth.: A lot of what this unscrupulous politician writes under the color of truth is nothing but a pack of lies. under the colors of something—supporting a particular cause, movement, or country: Northmour was killed fighting under the colors of Garibaldi for the liberation of the […]
Under the arm vs Under-arm
under the arm— 1. held between the arm and the body: The hat could be worn or carried under the arm at all times except in the presence of the King. 2. (sl.) inferior; of poor quality: I read no matter how bad the book and some are right under the arm. under-arm—(attrib.) 1. that […]