have back up
have (one's) back up
To become or cause to 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.
See also: back, have, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have (one's) back up
To be angry or irritated.
See also: back, have, up
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- get (one's) back up
- get someone's back up
- get/put somebody's back up
- have (one's) back up
- get back up
- Irish
- get (one's) Irish up
- get (one's) hackles up
- get hackles up
- addict (one) to (something)