# up and at 'em

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/up-and-at-em
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Vigorously launched or launching into an activity.

## Examples

- It is time to get up and at 'em for the day.
- The coach shouted for the players to get up and at 'em as soon as the whistle blew.
- Despite the freezing morning air, the guide encouraged the weary hikers to get up and at 'em before the sun rose.

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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.