Definition of "up and down" in English

Adverb

1. upward and downward, alternately.

   • the tide goes up and down
   • my blood pressure goes up and down
   • She looked me up and down and hinted that I could do with losing some weight.

2. alternately forwards and backwards along a path

   • walk up and down the corridor

3. staunchly, unwaveringly, obstinately

   • He swore up and down that he hadn't taken the money.

4. In various places, e.g. in a country.

Adjective

1. Vertical; perpendicular; said of the cable when the anchor is under, or nearly under, the hawse hole, and the cable is taut.

2. plain; downright

   • an up and down honest man

3. having two stories