Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

up

2 noun
     
up2
1

ups and downs

informal the mixture of good and bad experiences that happen in any situation or relationship:
We have our ups and downs like all couples.
2

be on the up

British English spoken to be improving or increasing:
Business confidence is on the up.
3

be on the up and up

a) British English informal to be becoming more successful:
a brilliant young player who is on the up and up
b) American English spoken if a person or business is on the up and up, they are honest and do things legally
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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