The intent of this series is to help Steemians who know English as a second language learn and understand frequently used idioms, and their meaning.

What is an Idiom?

Basically, an idiom is a combination of words that express a thought or feeling, but the words used do not equate to the meaning of the expression. Idioms are figurative, and not to be taken literally.

Today we will review idioms that include the word "up".

Common American Idioms

"Up in the air"

Not: This idiom has nothing to do with air, the sky or an upward direction.

Meaning: As yet to be determined, unknown, or undecided.

Example: "Whether or not I get a job offer is up in the air".

"A leg up"

Not: Upward extended legs? Nope.

Meaning: To have a distinct advantage over others.

Example: Because Sally is the hiring manager's niece, she has a leg up on the competition for this job."

"Step up"

Not: This is not a reference to an exercise class at the gym, nor are stairs involved.

Meaning: To increase performance, production, rate, or speed. Also can be directed toward a person.

Example: "If we give the employees free coffee, they will work faster and step up production at the diaper factory." Or, "Jim really needs to step up and start paying his child support payments on time."

"Crack up"

Not: Nothing is being broken or cracked, nor is it occurring at a high elevation.

Meaning: (Can be used either as a verb statement or as a noun.) To cause laughter or otherwise cause one to lose their stoic composure in response to humor.

Examples: "I crack up every time I watch Jim try to eat soup with chopsticks." Or, "Jim is a complete crack-up in staff meetings because he always mumbles the last word of each sentence."

"Cough up"

Not: Yes, this one can include actual coughing--or not.

Meaning: (Can be used either literally or figuratively.) To eject from the mouth via the throat. Or, to reluctantly provide something.

Examples: "I stood in horror watching my cat cough up a hairball on my guest's handbag." Or, "You lost the bet you made with me, so cough up the money you owe!".

Summary

As you can see, many English phrases used by Americans can be very confusing if taken literally. Once you understand the intent behind the phrases, you will understand and use them with comfort and ease.

Have you heard or read any idiomatic phrases that are confusing to you? If so, please note them in the comments and I will include them in a future post

...until then, Steem On!

All images courtesy of Pixabay.

Nice post @ crystalize. Think I need to come and enrol at ur academy now😀😁😀😀

Any time, @donkenny1992!

This really cracked me up! When I moved from England to America idioms were the thing that tripped me up everytime!! I was naïve in believing that we spoke the same language, people still look at me and I have to explain sayings that I don't even think about anymore. I also have to ask sometimes about some crazy American ones. I enjoyed your post a lot.

I'm so glad to hear it @thriftymum! It's hard to get initiatives like this to take off, but I think I'll get a leg up if I just keep my nose to the grindstone. Haaaaaaa! New posts on this topic coming up next week. Thanks for visiting!

Haha I will look forward to it

😂 nice post bro 😅 American Idiom

Great post. I could learn a lot. Especially the first two :) I look forward to reading some more posts about American English.

Thanks, @akipponn! I'm so glad to hear that the #AmericanIdioms posts are helpful to you!

This is a very good and educational write up.. I taken noteof some salient points highlighted in your post.. Thanks for sharing

Hi @delaw! This is great news to me! I'm so glad that you found the information in my #AmericanIdioms post helpful!

Nice post boss. Pls visit my blog. Thanks

Thanks, @mzajoke! I hope it was helpful to you!

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AMERICAN IDIOMs - Phrases that include "Up"

The intent of this series is to help Steemians who know English as a second language learn and understand frequently used idioms, and their meaning.

What is an Idiom?

Today we will review idioms that include the word "up".

Common American Idioms

Summary