expression, adverb
more; further; in addition; on top of this
Used to indicate something additional or beyond the current situation, often with a negative or questioning nuance.
この上何を望むのですか。
What more could you want?
この上迷惑をかけるわけにはいかない。
I can't cause any more trouble.
expression, adverb
at this stage; now; now that things have come to this
Typically used as この上は to mean 'now that it has come to this' or 'at this point', often followed by a determination or resolution.
この上は、最後まで頑張るしかない。
Now that it has come to this, I have no choice but to do my best until the end.
これ以上 is more common for 'any more' in negative sentences, while この上 is slightly more formal or literary.
Compound of この (this) and 上 (above/on top of). The literal meaning 'on top of this' extended to 'furthermore' and 'at this stage'.