up and

phrase

informal
: to do something specified in a sudden and unexpected way
(U.S.) One day, he just up and left home.
Then she ups and marries some guy she'd just met.
One day, he just upped and left home.

Examples of up and in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gizelle might’ve been spared the shade at the drag show, but Lisa Wu gets it head-on as Nene goes on about how inconsequential both the slip-up and Lisa’s feelings about it are. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 The two London clubs’ transfer dealings got off to a controversial start with Ashley Cole’s infamous move from Arsenal, a deal clouded by accusations of tapping up and considerable hostility. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 The last time the agents ripped through Little Village, fireworks, flash bangs and blaring car horns sounded up and down 26th Street for hours. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 For every time tragedy struck, NASA picked itself up and made a return. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for up and

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up and.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20and. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster