What is the origin of phrase up and at

The phrase "up and at 'em" is a colloquialism meaning "to get out of bed and start the day." It's a shortened version of the longer phrase "up and at it" which has a slightly different meaning, but the core idea is the same - getting started, getting going, and taking action.

The origins of the phrase are debated, but here's what we know:

* "Up and at it" is the older form, appearing in print as early as the 18th century. It originally meant "to be engaged in an activity, to be working or fighting."

* "Up and at 'em" emerged later, likely in the early 20th century, as a more informal and encouraging version. The "em" refers to a person or group, making it a more direct call to action.

Possible explanations for the origin of the phrase:

* Military origins: Some theories suggest it originated in military contexts, where soldiers were called to "get up" and "be at" their posts or engage in battle.

* General encouragement: Others argue it simply evolved from the common sense idea of getting up early and being productive.

In summary:

While the precise origin of "up and at 'em" might be unclear, its meaning is clear: it's a call to action, urging someone to get started and be proactive.