have (one's) back up

have (one's) back up

To be or become angry, hostile, defensive, or irritable. John had his back up when his parents brought up the subject of college. My dad always has his back up during election season. Why do you have your back up? You're not in trouble or anything—I'm just looking for information.

See also: back, have, up

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

have (one's) back up

To be angry or irritated.

See also: back, have, up

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.