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.

See also: have, up, wind

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