Can't we use "up and down"? What is up and away mean?

[Nat from BKK, Thailand]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #544 "English Slang Idioms (147)", question 7

"Why can't you spend more time with your friend Max? He seems to be on the up and ......... and that's more than I can say for your other friends. Your other friends seem dishonest or like criminals to me," Steven said to his son.

(a) honest
(b) narrow
(c) away
(d) up

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #544 "English Slang Idioms (147)", answer 7

"Why can't you spend more time with your friend Max? He seems to be on the up and up and that's more than I can say for your other friends. Your other friends seem dishonest or like criminals to me," Steven said to his son.

Correct answer: (d) up

Your answer was: incorrect
"Why can't you spend more time with your friend Max? He seems to be on the up and away and that's more than I can say for your other friends. Your other friends seem dishonest or like criminals to me," Steven said to his son.
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Can't we use "up and down"? What is up and away mean?

Nat from BKK, Thailand

[Alan]

Hi Nat,

'On the up and up' refers to being more and more successful. 'To be up and away' means make a quick start.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple