Being "up on guard" means being alert, watchful, and ready to face any circumstance that might arise. To portray this state of mind in different words, one can use synonyms such as vigilant, attentive, cautious, wary, prepared, and forewarned. To convey a sense of being on high alert, terms like alert, guarded, on the lookout, and on the watch might come in handy. Additionally, words like vigilant and watchful highlight the aspect of keeping a careful eye on surroundings, while words like cautious and hesitant imply a more conservative approach, one that involves taking time to carefully evaluate situations before acting. Regardless of the terminology chosen, being on guard is an essential trait that keeps us secure and safe in all aspects of our lives.