# ups and downs

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ups-and-downs
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Periods of positive and negative events, moods, or interactions; highs and lows.

## Examples

- Every job has its ups and downs.
- They have been married for twenty years and have certainly experienced their fair share of ups and downs.
- Despite the inevitable ups and downs that accompany any long-term creative partnership, they remained committed to their shared vision.

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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.