on the up and up
Honest and straightforward
On the up and up means honest, legitimate, and aboveboard.
A deal that's on the up and up involves no deception or hidden motives: Is this offer on the up and up, or is there a catch?
The phrase can also describe a person's character: He seems shady, but he's actually on the up and up.
In British English, the phrase more often means steadily improving or advancing: Sales have been on the up and up all quarter.
- justFair and impartial
- properSocially appropriate
- kosherPermissible by Jewish law
- authorizedGiven official permission
- lawfulPermitted by statute
by the book · honest · legit · straight shooter · credibility · aboveboard · above board · transparency · uprightness · straight · clean hands · reliability · on the level · accountability · fair · good faith · reputability · integrity
on the up and upcrooked
Bent or dishonest
shady · dishonest · corrupt · deceitful · underhanded
on the up and upunderhanded
Secretly dishonest or unfair
sneaky · secretive · covert · clandestine · furtive
on the up and upillegal
Forbidden by statute
illicit · unlawful · illegitimate · criminal · under the table