onwards and upwards

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformalfigurative

   Used to say that things are getting better and will keep improving, especially after a difficult time.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a comment or follows a verb such as 'move' or 'go': 'We're moving onwards and upwards.'

   Patterns

   • move onwards and upwards
   • go onwards and upwards
   • it's onwards and upwards from here

   You passed the exam — onwards and upwards from here!

   After a tough year, the company is finally moving onwards and upwards.

   She told her team it was onwards and upwards now that the new contract was signed.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseliterary

   Used literally about continuing to travel or move forward and higher, for example on a climb.

   Grammar: Used after a verb of movement to describe a real direction, not a metaphor: 'We walked onwards and upwards.'

   Patterns

   • walk onwards and upwards
   • climb onwards and upwards

   The path led onwards and upwards toward the ridge.

   We kept walking onwards and upwards until the trees thinned out.

Common combinations

onwards and upwards from here

The deal is signed, so it's onwards and upwards from here.

move onwards and upwards

After the promotion, he felt his career was moving onwards and upwards.

it's onwards and upwards

Don't dwell on the loss — it's onwards and upwards.

onwards and upwards for someone

It's been onwards and upwards for the team since the new coach arrived.

Synonyms and how they differ

things can only get better

A whole sentence rather than a set phrase; it sounds more resigned and less energetic than 'onwards and upwards'.

upwardly mobile

Describes people or groups rising in status, so it fits careers and society, not a general cheer after a setback.

Opposites

Commonly confused: onwards and upwards or onward?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “onwards and upwards”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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