get someone's dander up

get (one's) dander up

To become annoyed or angry. Don't get your dander up with me—I'm just trying have a conversation here. I know I got my dander up a bit last night, so I understand why you're avoiding me. He knew I was nervous about asking Mary out, so it really got my dander up when he strolled on by and started teasing me about it.

See also: dander, get, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get someone's dander up

OLD-FASHIONED

If someone or something gets your dander up, they make you feel very angry. I read the article and have to admit, it really got my dander up. Note: The origin of the word `dander' is unknown.

See also: dander, get, up

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

get someone's dander up, to

To make someone very angry. The origin of this term is disputed. Most likely “dander” comes from the Dutch donder, for “thunder,” but there are numerous other theories. The earliest reference in print dates from 1830, in Seba Smith’s Letters of Major Jack Downing: “When a Quaker gets his dander up it’s like a Northwester.” Also see get someone's back up.

See also: dander, get, to

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer