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
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
- Elliptical Use (1819):
“‘Thou must up and away, old house-cricket,’ said one of the men; ‘our noble master commands it.’”
— W. Scott, Ivanhoe - 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 - 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
- Daily Life:
- “With her bags packed, she was up and away to start her new adventure.”
- Travel:
- “The plane lifted off the runway and was soon up and away into the clouds.”
- Encouragement:
- “Now that the preparations are complete, it’s time to be up and away with the event!”
- 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.
