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one's back is up. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
one's back is up, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
one's back is up in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
From the way a cat, when angry, raises or arches its back.
Pronunciation
Phrase
one's back is up
- (idiomatic) One is offended or angry.
1835, William Hayley, The Life and Letters of William Cowper:My back is up, and I cannot hear the thought of wooing him any farther, nor would do it, though he were as pig a gentleman (look you) as Lucifer himself.
2011, Jeannie Watt, The Baby Truce, →ISBN, page 84:And I want you to be nice to Patty. For some reason her back is up.
2014, Kristin Butcher, Cabin Girl, →ISBN:Now my back is up. “Yes, the witch,” I hiss.
See also