Up and At ’Em
“Up and at ’em” means to get going and become active. This interjection from the late 1800s serves as a rousing call to action, metaphorically shaking the sleepy dust from your ambition. The phrase “at ’em,” short for “at them,” isn’t targeting anyone specific but is a rallying cry to tackle some work or undertaking. It’s the colloquial equivalent of a drill sergeant at the crack of dawn. Picture this: “We only have a week to write the budget, so up and at ’em, folks!”
Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Rise and shine
- Get cracking
- Time to hit the ground running
- Get the lead out
- Let’s get this show on the road
Antonyms
- Hit the hay
- Let’s take five
- Slow down
- Take it easy
- Chill out
Humor-filled Quote
“Morning paradox: it takes twice as long to get out of bed as it does to fall asleep.”
Related Proverbs and Expressions
- “The early bird catches the worm.”
- “You snooze, you lose.”
- “There’s no time like the present.”
Literature and Media Recommendations
Literature
- “The Morning of the Poem” by James Schuyler
- “The Great Gastby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald 🌅, for characters who need a few “up and at ’ems”.
Movies
- Groundhog Day (1993) - Talk about needing some serious “up and at ’em” motivation!
- Rocky (1976) - The ultimate “up and at ’em” boxing story.
Songs
- “Wake Up” - Arcade Fire
- “Good Morning” - Kanye West
Poetry
- “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley – For relentless energy in words.
- “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – For that motivational boost.
So rise and shine, take the day by storm, and embrace every opportunity. Whether drafting budgets, running marathons, or simply enjoying life, remember: The world is your oyster. Just get up and at ’em.
In the words of Riley Grandpenn—a humble writer and an advocate for seizing the moment—always remember, “Every great journey begins with a single ‘up and at ’em.’ Make each step count!”
Happy Adventures!
