Factsheet

• Word Type: Adverb
• Pronunciation:
• British English: /ˌʌp ən əˈweɪ/
• U.S. English: /ˌʌp ən əˈweɪ/
• Phonetic Guide: UP-uhn-uh-WAY
• First Known Use: 14th century (elliptical uses), 18th century (motion contexts)

Etymology

The phrase “up and away” originates in Middle English and has evolved over centuries.

• Up: From Old English upp, meaning “to a higher place or position.”
• Away: From Old English onweg, meaning “on one’s way” or “departing.”
  The combination conveys motion or departure, often with a sense of urgency or elevation. Its earliest recorded elliptical usage dates back to the 14th century, while more literal motion-related uses emerged in the 18th century.

Meaning & Use

1. Elliptical Use (Since c.1330):

• Refers to leaving or departing quickly, often with a verb implied.
• Example:
  “I knew if he heard the news, he’d up and away without hesitation.”

1. Following Verbs of Motion (Since 1732):

• Indicates upward motion or movement to a distance, either physically or metaphorically.
• Example:
  “The balloon floated up and away into the sky.”

1. Set Off or Begin a Task (Since 1785):

• Describes starting a journey or endeavor, often with enthusiasm or haste.
• Example:
  “We’ll be up and away as soon as the sun rises.”

Forms

• Imperative Use:
• Encourages or commands someone to leave or get moving.
• Example:
  “Come on now, up and away!”
• Metaphorical Use:
• Describes metaphorical progress or success.
• Example:
  “Once you finalize the paperwork, you’ll be up and away with the project.”

Quotations in Context

1. Elliptical Use (1819):
   “‘Thou must up and away, old house-cricket,’ said one of the men; ‘our noble master commands it.’”
   — W. Scott, Ivanhoe
2. Motion Context (1969):
   “Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin soared up and away from the moon’s surface to dock with the command module.”
   — Guardian
3. Setting Off or Progress Context (1998):
   “Once you are up and away, there is usually no looking back.”
   — E. Harvey, Asthma

Pronunciation

• British English: /ˌʌp ən əˈweɪ/
• U.S. English: /ˌʌp ən əˈweɪ/
• Phonetic Guide: UP-uhn-uh-WAY

The phrase is spoken fluidly, with stress on the last word, “away.”

Examples in Everyday Use

1. Daily Life:

• “With her bags packed, she was up and away to start her new adventure.”

1. Travel:

• “The plane lifted off the runway and was soon up and away into the clouds.”

1. Encouragement:

• “Now that the preparations are complete, it’s time to be up and away with the event!”

1. Metaphorical Success:

• “Once the startup secured its funding, they were up and away with their expansion plans.”

Synonyms

• Take off
• Set off
• Get going
• Depart
• Fly off
• Begin

Conclusion

Up and away is a versatile adverbial phrase with a rich history of use, spanning contexts of motion, departure, and metaphorical progress. Whether describing a physical ascent, a quick departure, or embarking on a new venture, the phrase captures an energy of movement and momentum that resonates across centuries and contexts.