Barbara Jackson
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Get going, get busy, as in Up and at 'em—there's a lot of work to be done . This colloquial idiom, often uttered as a command, uses at 'em (for “at them”) in the general sense of tackling a project, and not in reference to specific persons.
Aug 14, 2023 · The expression "up and at em" is a casual way of saying someone should start doing something, get busy, or wake up and prepare for the day. It is often used to tell or motivate someone who is not very eager, fast, or active.
up and at 'em. Get going, get busy, as in Up and at 'em-there's a lot of work to be done. This colloquial idiom, often uttered as a command, uses at 'em (for "at them") in the general sense of tackling a project, and not in reference to specific persons. See also: and, up.
Jun 2, 2024 · Sometimes used to express a command, with an unexpressed but implied imperative action verb, as in: Okay, team, [get] up and at 'em and make every shot count! Sometimes used specifically to urge a person to rise from bed, with the same sense as rise and shine.
Jan 19, 2013 · The phrase is "up and at 'em" or more accurately "up and at them". According to the Phrase Finder, it probably comes from the military with the full command being "Up, Guards, and at 'em!"
Oct 20, 2021 · The term ‘up and at ‘em’ is derived from ‘up and at them.’ Soldiers used this during World War I to communicate and tell each other when to get out of their pits and march forward towards their enemies.
May 11, 2021 · Up and at ’em is a colloquial expression, motivating people to get busy, get up and start working, similar to the phrase “pitter patter let’s get at er”. It can also be used in a military environment, for telling soldiers to get up and fight.
