Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

Does "to be on the rise" have any other meaning besides "to start", "to begin" and "to be getting momentum"?

share|improve this question

3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

A different shade of meaning than 'gaining momentum' would be improving, advancing or gaining in some desirable trait. "My fortune is on the rise" -> my situation is improving. "His star was on the rise" -> he was becoming more famous.
I don't associate it with "starting" or "beginning", though.

share|improve this answer
up vote 3 down vote

I never really thought of it as a metaphor for beginning - rather, it is simply a statement that your fortunes (or those of the subject) are improving.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

'to be on the rise' is a phrase for indicating progress, particularly in a way that catches attention and evokes admiration or jealousy or other emotions.

share|improve this answer

protected by RegDwighт♦ Aug 21 '12 at 12:51

This question is protected to prevent "thanks!", "me too!", or spam answers by new users. To answer it, you must have earned at least 10 reputation on this site.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.