Idioms beginning with U
Idiom | Meaning |
Under the weather | Feeling ill or unwell |
Up in arms | Angry or ready to protest |
Up to scratch | Meeting the required standard or quality |
Up the ante | To increase the stakes or level of commitment |
Up in the air | Uncertain or undecided |
Up a creek without a paddle | In a difficult or hopeless situation with no solution in sight |
Up to snuff | Meeting the expected standard or quality |
Up to speed | Fully informed or knowledgeable |
Up for grabs | Available to be obtained or competed for |
Under one’s belt | Experience gained or accomplishments achieved |
Under the table | Done secretly or dishonestly |
Up to one’s ears | Deeply involved or overwhelmed |
Under lock and key | Securely locked or protected |
Until the cows come home | For a very long time or indefinitely |
Under the thumb | Controlled or dominated by someone else |
Up a storm | With great enthusiasm or energy |
Up to no good | Involved in something dishonest or mischievous |
Under the rug | Hidden or ignored, especially a problem or issue |
Upper crust | The highest social class or elite |
Up in smoke | Disappeared or ruined, especially plans or expectations |
Up and running | Fully operational or functioning |
Up in flames | Burning or destroyed by fire |
Up the creek | In a difficult or problematic situation |
Under the gun | Under pressure or facing a deadline |
Under the radar | Not noticed or detected |
Up in the clouds | Daydreaming or having unrealistic thoughts |
Under the sun | Everything or anything possible or imaginable |
Under one’s skin | Annoying or bothering someone |
Under the wire | Just barely meeting a deadline or requirement |
Up and about | Active and moving around |
Under the surface | Hidden or not immediately apparent |
Under one’s nose | Right in front of someone’s face |
Up the creek without a paddle | In a difficult situation with no way out |
Under one’s own steam | By one’s own efforts or energy |
Under the microscope | Under close examination or scrutiny |
Up and down | With fluctuations or variations |
Under one’s breath | Said quietly or discreetly |
Up a blind alley | In a situation with no prospect of progress or success |
Up to the hilt | Completely, to the maximum extent |
Under the hammer | Being sold at auction or subjected to a bidding process |
Under the auspices of | With the support or protection of |
Under the impression | Believing something to be true based on appearances |
Under the belt | Experienced or achieved |
Under the moon | In a romantic or dreamy mood |
Up the wall | Extremely frustrated or angry |
Under the hood | The inner workings or mechanics of something |
Up to the mark | Meeting the required standard or quality |