On top of the all the words in English, and their strange spellings, there are all the phrases Americans use informally. These casual sayings are called idioms, and learning them is important for fully understanding ‘American’ English. Luckily, we’re here to help you learn some common idioms.

Today’s list of idioms all use the word “up”.

Up against: Having trouble with someone or something.

Up and about: Awake and out of bed; or recovered from an illness or injury that kept one bedridden.

Up and coming: New in one’s career and likely to be successful.

Up for (something): Ready and willing.

Up for grabs: Available to anyone, but with the implication that people may have to compete for it.

Up front: Honest or straightforward.

Up in arms: Very angry and prepared to express that anger.

Up in the air: Undecided.

Up to no good: Doing something bad; being naughty.

Back me up: Help me; give me your support.

Worked up: Bothered or upset about something.

Beat up: Physically damaged; or the act of physically abusing something or someone.

Follow up: Check on something at a later time.

Jazz it up: Make something more exciting or interesting.

Laid up: Unable to move due to an injury

Shape up: Start doing what you should be doing.