The correct spelling of the phrase "relied up on" is actually "relied upon." The discrepancy in spelling likely comes from a misinterpretation of the pronunciation of the phrase. In IPA phonetic transcription, "relied upon" would be written as /ɹɪˈlaɪd əˈpɑn/. The pronunciation of the word "upon" can be difficult to distinguish for those unfamiliar with English, leading to the incorrect spelling "up on." It's important to always double-check spellings to ensure clear and accurate communication.