rise and shine
Meaning
A cheerful or firm way to tell someone to wake up and start the day, often implying they should get moving and be active right away.
Origin
Used as a wake-up call since the late 19th–early 20th century; “shine” evokes the sun being up and the idea of starting the day brightly. Popular in homes and military-style contexts.
Notes
Usually upbeat and encouraging, but can sound bossy if said sharply. Common in casual speech as a wake-up call or to urge someone to get started.
Examples
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Rise and shine—breakfast is ready.
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Come on, rise and shine; we’ve got an early flight.
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Hey, rise and shine! You’ll be late for school.
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Rise and shine, team—today’s the big presentation.
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I told myself to rise and shine, even though I barely slept.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Most often an imperative: “Rise and shine!” Fixed word order with “and.” Can stand alone or be followed by a reason. Rarely inflected; “rising and shining” is playful/nonstandard.
Synonyms
- wake up
- up and at 'em
- get up
- wakey-wakey
Antonyms
- sleep in
- stay in bed
- hit the snooze button