have up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have up’ mean?
"Have up" is an idiom that means to reprimand or scold someone, typically in a stern or serious manner. It implies holding someone accountable for their actions and expressing disapproval or displeasure towards them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick upstairs" means to promote someone to a position of higher authority or responsibility, often as a way to remove them from their current role or to avoid dealing with a difficult situation.
The idiom "heads up" means to give someone a warning or alert about something that is about to happen or to be prepared for something. It is often used to signal the need for caution or to help avoid possible danger or trouble.
The idiom "have the wind up" means to feel anxious or afraid. It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing fear or uneasiness about a particular situation.
The idiom "have one's back up" means to become defensive or angry due to feeling threatened or criticized.
The idiom "have one's back up" is a commonly used phrase in English. It is often used to describe a person who becomes defensive or angry when they feel threatened or insulted. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but its meaning and usage have stayed the same throughout history.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "have had it up to here" means being extremely frustrated or fed up with something. It signifies reaching a limit or threshold of tolerance.
The idiom "haul someone over the coals" means to scold or reprimand someone severely for their actions or behavior.
"Hands up" is an idiom that is commonly used as an imperative phrase to instruct someone to raise their hands. It may be used in various situations as a gesture of surrender, compliance, or to get someone's attention.
The idiom "give someone what-for" means to scold or punish someone severely for their actions or behavior. It implies giving someone a strong reprimand or retribution for their wrongdoings.
The idiom "give someone what-for" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to convey the idea of reprimanding or scolding someone intensely.
The idiom "give someone what for" means to scold or criticize someone severely, often in a forceful or angry manner.
The idiom "give someone what for" is a commonly used phrase in the English language, particularly in the United States. It is an expression that carries a specific meaning when used in context. The phrase has its roots in the early 19th century and has evolved over time.
Hidden Potency
The idiom "have up" is a complex phrase that can be used in various ways. It can mean inviting or summoning someone to a higher place or position. For example, you might say "have someone up to your office" or "have someone up to the stage." This suggests that the person being summoned is being brought into a position of importance or influence.
Another meaning of "have up" is confronting or challenging someone. It can describe a situation where an individual is held accountable or questioned about their actions or behavior. For instance, you might say "the boss had me up in his office to explain my mistake" or "the police had the suspect up for questioning." In these cases, the idiom implies a level of scrutiny and potentially even criticism.
In addition, "have up" can be used to describe lifting something or someone upwards. This can be metaphorical and imply a form of admiration or praise. For example, when someone says "I had his achievements up in my mind," they mean that they held this person's accomplishments in high regard.
Another meaning of "have up" pertains to being awakened or disturbed from sleep or rest. This can be seen in phrases such as "the noise had me up all night" or "the baby had the entire household up at dawn." It conveys a sense of disruption or inconvenience caused by external factors, indicating a state of alertness or activity that one did not necessarily choose.
Furthermore, "have up" can also mean experiencing a sudden surge or increase in a specific condition or state. This can be observed in phrases like "the stock market had an upturn" or "her spirits had a sudden up." In these instances, the idiom signifies a positive change or improvement.
Lastly, "have up" can indicate that something or someone is suspended or stopped from progressing. This is often used in negative contexts, such as "the car had the traffic up for miles" or "the construction had the whole street up for weeks." It suggests a hindrance or obstacle that prevents smooth operation or movement.
The idiom "act up" is related to "have up" in that it signifies misbehaving or causing trouble. When someone or something "acts up," they are behaving in a disruptive or unruly manner. This can be seen in phrases like "the kids were acting up in class" or "my computer is acting up again." Similarly, when someone "acts up," they are challenging or confronting authority or rules. This can be observed in phrases such as "he always acts up when he doesn't get his way."
The idiom "have had it up to here" is related to "have up" in that it signifies reaching a point of frustration or annoyance. When someone says they have "had it up to here," they mean they are fed up or cannot tolerate a situation any longer. This can be seen in phrases such as "I've had it up to here with your excuses" or "she had had it up to here with her demanding boss." Similarly, when someone says they have "had it up to here," they are indicating that they have reached their limit and cannot take any more.
The idiom "baby up" is related to "have up" in that it signifies attending to or caring for a baby or young child. When someone "babies up," they are taking on the responsibility of looking after a baby. This can be seen in phrases such as "the teenager is going to have to baby up now that she's a mother" or "he's been babying up his younger sibling since their parents are away." Similarly, when someone "babies up," they are showing extra care and attention towards someone or something. This can be observed in phrases such as "she really babies up her pets" or "the chef babied up the presentation of the dish."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "have up" can be used in a sentence:
- She had her friends up for a weekend getaway.
- The teacher had the students up at the front of the class to present their projects.
- We had our neighbors up to our house for a dinner party.
More "verbs" idioms
