up and down

up and down (not comparable)

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. (idiomatic) alternately forwards and backwards along a path

   walk up and down the corridor

3. (idiomatic) staunchly, unwaveringly, obstinately

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

   • 2006, Stephen Baker, Bomb Ass Pussy

     Christina is straight up and down fuckable.

• ups and downs

up and down (not comparable)

1. (nautical) 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