high and low—

1. in every conceivable place; everywhere:

• We searched 【high and low 】 for the best career coach to serve our clients.

2. said of people of 【high and low 】 station:

• In the public forum he was outspoken and called both 【high and low 】 people to task.

3. the maximum and the minimum temperature, prices, etc. reached in a particular period:

• These values represent yesterday’s 【high and low 】 over the last 12 hours.

【up and down】 —

1. to and fro; back and forth:

• Unable to bear another night alone, they take to walking 【up and down】 Broadway.

2. in diverse places or directions:

• “So whereabouts is the local surf break?” interrupted Jerry, looking 【up and down】 the coast.

3. is used of a changeable or unstable disposition:

• Mrs. Moore is 【up and down】 ; very liable … to fits of bad jealousy.

4. (coll.) give smb. a quick examining look:

• He gave me the 【up and down】 , and I saw that he remembered me.

5. (coll.) a violent quarrel or fight:

• I had a bit of an 【up and down】 with one of your ilk only about an hour ago.

See also: uppers and downers / ups and downs.