up front — in advance; beforehand; at the beginning
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in advance; beforehand; at the beginning
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌp frʌnt/
Example Sentences
- The gym requires a full year's membership fee up front, which made my wallet cry.
- I appreciate that you're being up front about your inability to cook.
- The contractor asked for 50% up front before starting the renovation.
up front
ADVERB[/ʌp frʌnt/]
in advance; beforehand; at the beginning
a smiling customer hands cash directly to the theater cashier before getting tickets. The cashier reaches toward the money with one hand while keeping movie tickets in the other hand behind the counter. The customer pays the full amount first, then waits as the cashier processes the payment. Only after receiving all the money does the cashier hand over the theater tickets. Other customers wait in line behind, watching the standard pay-first process. payment being made up front before receiving the service
Be blunt up front before the hunt!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines the adverb 'up' (meaning upward or forward) with 'front' (meaning the forward position or face) to denote something placed or presented in advance. The expression developed in early 20th-century American business English to convey the sense of doing something beforehand or in advance.
Breakdown
up (upward/forward direction) + front (forward position/advance) = to place or present in advance, hence meaning 'in advance' or 'beforehand'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The gym requires a full year's membership fee up front, which made my wallet cry.”
“I appreciate that you're being up front about your inability to cook.”
“The contractor asked for 50% up front before starting the renovation.”
“Let me be up front - this meeting could have been an email.”
📚Related Words
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