Up in front Meaning and Definition
Up in front
Pronunciation
/upeed ˈfrɒnt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A location or position ahead or in front of others, often used to describe a person or group that is prominent or dominant.
Examples
- The crowd surged forward, eager to get up in front of the stage.
- The company sent its top executives to lead the team up in front of the competition.
Synonyms
- Leader
- Pioneer
Antonyms
- Trailblazer
- Backseat
Etymology
The phrase “up in front” is believed to have originated in the 19th century, with the word “front” referring to the position of prominence or leadership.
Usage Notes
“Up in front” is often used in informal contexts to describe a person or group that is taking the initiative or leading the way. It can also be used to emphasize a sense of dominance or superiority.
Cultural References
The phrase “up in front” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the 1980s song “Up in Front” by The Go-Go’s, the lyrics refer to a group of people taking action and being leaders.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To be in the front row
- Take the lead
Related Words or Phrases
- Leading
- Pioneering
- Front-runner
Collocations
- Up in front of the competition
- Up in front of the crowd
- Up in front of the pack
Frequency of Use
The phrase “up in front” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it can be used effectively in certain contexts to add emphasis or convey a sense of dominance.
Common Misspellings
- Up in font
- Up in fount
- Up in fontain