have one's back up: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  General Englishinformal
  • To become annoyed, defensive, or hostile; to adopt a guarded or resistant attitude.

  Examples

  Beta

  • When I questioned his decision, he immediately had his back up and wouldn't listen to reason.

    Cuando cuestioné su decisión, inmediatamente se puso a la defensiva y no quiso escuchar razones.

  • You could tell Sarah had her back up during the meeting because she kept interrupting everyone.

    Se podía notar que Sarah estaba molesta durante la reunión porque no paraba de interrumpir a todos.

  • If he has his back up, it's best not to push him any further on that topic.

    Si está a la defensiva, es mejor no presionarlo más sobre ese tema.