Phrase guide

have one's back up

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be angry or defensive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He's had his back up all morning. There's no point in trying to talk to him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.