🚀 Up and at ’em!
Definition: To become active, get going, or start an activity with energy.
Origin: From the late 1800s, this interjection is a kind of wake-up call. The phrase “at ’em,” short for “at them,” generally refers to the idea of tackling some work or undertaking an activity, rather than addressing specific individuals.
Example: “We only have a week to write the budget, so up and at ’em, fellows.”
Related & Similar Terms:
- Seize the day (Carpe Diem): A Latin phrase meaning “seize the day,” used to urge someone to make the most of the present time.
- Rise and shine: An expression encouraging someone to wake up and start the day.
- Get the ball rolling: To initiate the start of a process or activity.
- Get a move on: To hurry up or hasten activity.
- Let’s hit the ground running: To start immediately and work effectively from the outset.
Synonyms:
- Jump to it
- Spring into action
- Get cracking
- Get down to business
- Hustle up
Antonyms:
- Drag one’s feet
- Procrastinate
- Stall
- Sit idle
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Morning is wonderful. Its only drawback is that it comes at such an inconvenient time of day.” - Glen Cook
- “I always say ‘morning’ instead of ‘good morning,’ because if it was a good morning, I’d still be asleep.” - Anonymous
Proverbs:
- “The early bird catches the worm.” - Meaning the one who starts early will get the best advantage.
- “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” - A proverb praising the benefits of waking up early.
Literary References:
- Book: “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau - Encourages simplicity, mindfulness, and seizing the day.
- Poem: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - “Act,—act in the living Present!”
- Song: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - A motivational tune driving the spirit to tackle challenges.
- Movie: “Rocky” - Displays the spirit of “up and at ’em” through resilience and effort.
Quizzes:
### Which phrase means to start immediately with energy?
- [x] Up and at ’em
- [ ] Down and tired
- [ ] Sleep like a log
- [ ] Cat nap
> **Explanation:** "Up and at ’em" is an expression encouraging someone to become active and energetic. The others suggest sleep or rest.
### Which of the following is synonymous with "Up and at ’em"?
- [ ] Lay low
- [ ] Slowpoke
- [x] Get cracking
- [ ] Couch potato
> **Explanation:** "Get cracking" means to begin immediately and energetically, much like "Up and at ’em." The others imply idleness or lethargy.
### What does "Seize the day" encourage you to do?
- [ ] Wait for the perfect moment
- [x] Make the most of the present time
- [ ] Postpone all ambitions
- [ ] Stay in bed all day
> **Explanation:** "Seize the day" means to make the most of the present and take action without delay. Hesitation is not an option!
💡Inspirational Thought: “Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” - Buddha
Written by W. T. Wittywords on 2023-10-01.
Never forget: when life calls you to rise and shine, just grin and think, “Up and at ’em!” 💪✨
