|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
|
|
"U"
|
| Uh-oh |
Expression of mild surprise |
| Uncle |
To admit defeat (Cry uncle and I'll stop hitting you.) |
| Under a cloud |
To be despondent (Maria is under a cloud and doesn't want to talk.) |
| Under breath |
Silently (I suggest that you speak under your breath.) |
| Under hat |
To keep secret (Be sure to keep it under your hat.) |
| Under the counter |
Illegal and secret (The company paid a congressman under the counter.) |
| Under the weather |
Sick (I'm sorry that you're under the weather today.) |
| Under (your) nose |
In plain view (Thieves took it right under his nose.) |
| Undercover |
Incognito; in secret (Government agents often work undercover.) |
| Until the cows come home |
Very late (Fred plans to be outside until the cows come home.) |
| Up and doing |
To be active (It's time to be up and doing.) |
| Up and over |
To accomplish (OK, let's get up and over this matter.) |
| Up (his) alley |
Something familiar or doable (Repairing cars is up Matt's alley.) |
| Up in arms |
Angry; ready to fight (The recent tax increase had people up in arms.) |
| Up in smoke |
Destroyed; a disaster (Nathan's hopes went up in smoke.) |
| Up in the air |
Undecided; not resolved (The vote was still up in the air.) |
| Up on |
To know currently; familiar with (Fred appears to be up on the latest news.) |
| Up the spout |
Disastrous (His careful plan went up the spout.) |
| Up to snuff |
Agreeable; good (This term paper is not up to snuff.) |
| Up to speed |
To be sufficient; knowledgeable (I hope Jack's up to speed on this topic.) |
| Upchuck |
To vomit (I might upchuck if I see that jerk again.) |
| Upset the apple cart |
To cause trouble or instability (Peter will upset the apple cart if he speaks out.) |
| Upswing |
Getting better (Jenny probably will seek Walter on the upswing.) |
| Uptick |
Getting better (Investers are waiting for an uptick in the market.) |
| Uptight |
Nervous (There's no need for you to get uptight.) |
| Used to |
To be familiar with (Almost everyone is used to watching TV.) |
