knees-up

American  

[neez-uhp] / ˈnizˌʌp /

noun

British Informal.

1. a party or lively gathering, usually including dancing.

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knees-up British  

noun

1. a boisterous dance involving the raising of alternate knees

2. a lively noisy party or celebration, esp one with dancing

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Etymology

Origin of knees-up

By ellipsis from Knees up, Mother Brown a popular dance, originally a song with the same title (1939)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

knees-up

As the awards came to a close, McDonald said: "I'm off for a knees-up with all my favourite soap stars, I'm so excited."

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2023

You’re almost, almost ready to have a right royal knees-up.

From BBC ● May 2, 2023

“I think people see it as an excuse for a good knees-up, if you can forget we’re paying for it,” Ms. Gale said.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2018

Team bonding is the theme for Christmas parties in London's financial district this year as managers tone down the annual knees-up and label it as staff development.

From Reuters ● Dec. 18, 2014

At some point, after the audience have departed, will he and Cvitesic enjoy a massive on-set knees-up?

From The Guardian ● Apr. 6, 2013