one up

¹ American  

adjective

1. having gained an advantage in some way that betokens success, especially over rivals.

2. leading an opponent by one point or one scoring unit.

   The home team was one up on the visitors.

3. one each; tied at a score of one.

   The score was one up in the ninth inning.

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adverb

1. Printing. with only one reproduction of a form per sheet or on a given sheet.

   We must print this job one up.

2. Journalism. using one more column of space than of type.

one-up ² American  

[wuhn-uhp] / ˈwʌnˈʌp /

verb (used with object)

one-upped, one-upping

1. to get the better of; succeed in being a point, move, step, etc., ahead of (someone).

   They one-upped the competition.

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one-up British  

adjective

1. informal having or having scored an advantage or lead over someone or something

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one up Idioms  

1. Having an advantage or lead over someone, as in Sara is one up on Jane because she passed algebra in summer school. This expression comes from sports, where it means to be one point ahead of one's opponents. It was transferred to more general use about 1920.

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Etymology

Origin of one up¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of one-up²

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The hedged Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF is a good one, up 9.1% in the quarter overall.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Airlines love to one up each other when it comes to new perks for big-spending business travelers and vacationers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

After all, little free libraries are worldwide and a great way to off-load and, if you’re lucky, pick one up too.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

He must have pumped our opening bowler out of the ground twice, then hit one up in the air and he was out.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

They were still warm, so I kind of hated giving one up for Chas when we stepped outside and into the drizzle.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith