on the up-and-up
Totally above board
On the up-and-up describes something that is honest, legitimate, and aboveboard.
If a business deal or a person is on the up-and-up, there is no deception or shadiness involved.
I checked out the company and everything seems on the up-and-up.
In British English, the phrase can also mean steadily improving or increasing in success, though this sense is less common in American usage.
- aboveboardHonest and unconcealed
- justFair and impartial
- uprightVertical or morally sound
- straight shooterForthright, blunt person
- legitimacyLawful or rightful status
lawful · honest · squeaky clean · clean as a whistle · above suspicion · valid · principled · by the book · incorruptibility · genuineness · rectitude · credibility · straight-up · on the level · thriving · bona fide · authenticity · elevation
on the up-and-upcrooked
Bent or dishonest
shady · dishonest · corrupt · fraudulent · illegitimate
on the up-and-upunder the table
Without official documentation
behind closed doors · under the radar · secretive · clandestine · covert
on the up-and-upillegal
Forbidden by statute
illicit · unlawful · criminal · illegitimate · black-market