Idioms

have the wind up

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have the wind up

To be very anxious, upset, or frightened. They had the wind up after we threatened them with legal action. Carrie has the wind up because she's waiting for the doctor to call with her test results. The passengers over there all have the wind up because their plane had to make an emergency landing.
See also: have, up, wind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get/have the ˈwind up (about something)

(British English, informal) become/be frightened about something: I heard that he’s selling his business and moving away. I think he’s got the wind up about something or other.
See also: get, have, up, wind
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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