Definition of one-up
: to practice one-upmanship on
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Origin and Etymology of one-up
back-formation from one-upmanship
one up
Definition of one up
: being in a position of advantage
—usually used with on
Recent Examples of one up from the Web
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With a combination of grit, agility and muscle, the man hauled himself hand over hand from one balcony to another, springing from one parapet to grasp the next one up.
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With a combination of grit, agility, and muscle, the man hauled himself hand over hand from one balcony to another, springing from one parapet to grasp the next one up.
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That’s probably good advice whether the president is rescinding a treaty, drafting an international agreement – or tearing one up.
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After giving one up early, the Bruins found themselves on the power play with a chance to regain their lead.
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Just pick one up and smell the part where the stem was broken off.
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Don't mess this one up, Sega, because the Realest Console Ever Made deserves some damn respect.
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The interesting thing is not a single one up there has spoken to me.
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The Adidas by Stella McCartney yoga mat comes with its own simple strap carrier, saving you the cost of buying a separate one up front.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'one up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of one up
1919
ONE-UP Defined for English Language Learners
one up
Definition of one up for English Language Learners
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: having an advantage over someone : in a position that is better than someone else's position
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