# onwards and upwards

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/onwards-and-upwards
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

On to greater things.

## Examples

- The project failed, but we are moving onwards and upwards now.
- After losing her job, she decided to stay positive and focus on moving onwards and upwards.
- Despite the setbacks of the previous year, the team remained committed to their vision, determined to move onwards and upwards toward their ultimate goal.

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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.