Get your back up Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈəp
GET yor BAK up
ɡˈɛt/ /jˈɔː/ /bˈæk/ /ˈʌp
get YAW bak UP
Definition
To become annoyed or defensive, often because you feel criticized or threatened.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used in British and Canadian English. Means to react with irritation or defensiveness, especially to criticism. Not about literal backs—it's about attitude. Similar to "get defensive" or "take offense," but with a slightly stronger or more prickly reaction.
Spanish: enfurecerse - ponerse a la defensivaPortuguese (BR): ficar na defensiva - ficar irritadoPortuguese (PT): ficar na defensiva - irritar-seChinese (Simplified): 生气 - 发脾气（防卫心强）Chinese (Traditional): 生氣 - 發脾氣（防衛心強）Hindi: गुस्सा हो जाना - रक्षात्मक होनाArabic: يغضب - يصبح دفاعيًاBengali: রেগে যাওয়া - আত্মরক্ষার মনোভাব নেওয়াRussian: обижаться - становиться в оборонуJapanese: 腹を立てる - 防御的になるVietnamese: nổi giận - phòng thủ (cảm xúc)Korean: 기분이 상하다 - 방어적으로 되다Turkish: sinirlenmek - savunmaya geçmekUrdu: غصہ کرنا - دفاعی ہوناIndonesian: tersinggung - bersikap defensif
Example Sentences
Try not to get your back up when someone gives you advice.
basic
My brother always gets his back up if you call him lazy.
basic
She gets her back up when people question her ideas.
basic
He really gets his back up over small things—just ignore him.
natural
Don't get your back up; she's just teasing you.
natural
You don't have to get your back up every time someone disagrees with you.
natural