on the up

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on the up

1. (idiomatic) Rising; becoming greater in number or magnitude.
   • 2021 November 17, Mark Rand, “Reconnecting rail freight to S&C quarries”, in RAIL, number 944, page 52:

     Even then, the line's future could not considered absolutely secure. At best, it was on probation. Road transport was on the up and the railways were on the down.

2. (sports) While the ball is rising.

• on the rise

• on the up-and-up
• up-and-coming