knees-up

[ neez-uhp ]

noun

, British Informal.

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

knees-up

noun

1. a boisterous dance involving the raising of alternate knees
2. a lively noisy party or celebration, esp one with dancing

Word History and Origins

Origin of knees-up¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of knees-up¹

C20: from the song "Knees up Mother Brown" to which the dance is performed

Example Sentences

They leaped into the ditches in front of the breastworks, and climbed on their hands and knees up the steep embankments.

From Project Gutenberg

In this bag the Nascopi thrusts his legs, draws his knees up to his chin, and defies both wind and snow.

From Project Gutenberg

You cant, said Winona, sitting down on the grass and drawing her knees up to her chin.

From Project Gutenberg

She covered her shoulders with the rushes and drew her knees up to her chin.

From Project Gutenberg

I was quite white and stiff from my knees up, but below I was wavery.

From Project Gutenberg