adv. phr. (old).—Entirely; thoroughly; to the last degree. Formerly, UP AND DOWN. Cf., UP TO THE KNOCKER or THE NINES, UP TO THE HANDLE, UP TO DICK, etc. [Literally, from top to bottom.]
1542. UDALL, The Apophthegmes of Erasmus (1877, Reprint of ed. 1562), p. 324. He [Phocion] was euen Socrates VP AND DOWNE in this pointe and behalfe, that no man euer sawe hym either laughe or weepe.
1606. JOHN DAY, The Ile of Guls, Act v., p. 98. For, saies my mother, a thinge once wel done is twice done: and I am in her mind for that, VP AND DOWNE.
1878. M. E. BRADDON, The Cloven Foot, ch. xlv. Some sea coast city in South America would suit me DOWN TO THE GROUND.
1883. Echo, 6 Aug., p. 4, col. 1. A post which would suit the noble lord … DOWN TO THE GROUND.
1889. J. S. WINTER, That Imp, p. 3. A name that suited him well—DOWN TO THE GROUND, the officers of the Royal Horse said.
DOWN UPON THE NAIL.—See NAIL.
