get it up
vulgar slang To achieve, have, or maintain an erection of the penis. Many associate erectile dysfunction with old age, but in truth, men of all ages can have trouble getting it up for myriad reasons. As soon as I hit puberty, it seemed like I would get it up around any cute girl in school, which was mortifying!
get up
1. To stand from a seated or reclining position. Come on, kids, get up—it's time to go. After the gym teacher made a few announcements, we all got up and began running laps. With a sigh, I got up, dusted myself off, and resumed my run.
2. To physically move to a higher level. How is she going to get up the steps if her leg is in a cast for six weeks? Excuse me, but how are we supposed to get up to the 26th floor if the elevators aren't running? All right, here's a ladder—now we can get up to the attic.
3. To wake up. I don't know why I got up so early this morning. Believe me, I didn't set my alarm for 6 AM! A: "How are you still so tired? You didn't get up till 11:00!" B: "Yeah, but I feel like I didn't sleep at all." I hate to say it, but we'll have to get up at 3:00 AM to make our flight.
4. To wake someone up. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "up." Go get your brother up so that he can have breakfast before the bus comes. You kids were supposed to get me up! Now, we're going to be late for church! I'm pretty sure my roommate has a 9:40 class, so I better wake her up!
5. To train or prepare someone for something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "up." Our coach has been trying to get us up for the big game this Saturday. I've been working on my distance running, to get up for this weekend's race. We have practice every night this week to get us up for Saturday's competition.
6. To climb onto something, usually something that will boost one to a particular height. I think I'll be able to reach that high shelf if I get up on this chair. Paul's not going to get up on a ladder that tall—he's afraid of heights! Sweetie, you'll be able to reach the sink if you get up on this stool.
7. To generate something. It took me a while to get up the nerve to confront my coworker about constantly taking my things. I wanted to ask Mary Sue to the prom, but I never got up the courage. I know I need to clean my apartment, but I just can't get up the energy right now.
8. To organize something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "up." Will you get up the proposal for our meeting on Tuesday? Do I look like a party planner? I don't have to time to get a surprise party up on two-days' notice! I know I'm supposed to get up the meeting for Friday, so, yes, I did book the conference room.
9. To outfit someone or oneself in something. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is often used between "get" and "up." It's not a fancy event, so don't get yourself up in anything that nice. A: "Do I have to get myself up in a suit or something?" B: "No, you just can't wear jeans." When I let my little girl pick out her own outfit, she always gets herself up in a dress—even if she's going to play sports with the neighbors.
10. vulgar slang For a man, to get an erection. In this usage, a noun or pronoun, especially "it," can be used between "get" and "up." He can't get it up anymore, not without a pill. As soon as I hit puberty, it seemed like I would get it up around any cute girl in school, which was mortifying! I got it up as soon as I caught a glimpse of my wife in that skimpy outfit. She looks smokin' hot tonight!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.