# one up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/one-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To outdo, to perform something slightly better than a competitor's prior effort.

## Examples

- She always tries to one up her sister's stories.
- After he mentioned his promotion, his friend had to one up him by talking about his new house.
- In the competitive world of corporate law, junior associates constantly seek subtle ways to one up one another without appearing openly ambitious.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.