on the up and up

phrase

informal
1
US : honest and legal
I don't want to do anything dishonest. Let's keep everything on the up and up.
2
British : becoming more successful
He recently got a promotion and is on the up and up.

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Cite this Entry

“On the up and up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20up%20and%20up. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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