get someone’s dander up: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "get someone's dander up" is often used to describe situations where someone becomes angry, irritated, or provoked. It suggests a sense of escalating tension or a sudden outburst of anger. The phrase implies a state of agitation or annoyance that may lead to a confrontation or conflict.

When someone's dander is up, it means that their pride, ego, or self-esteem has been challenged or insulted, causing them to react emotionally. It is often used to describe situations where someone's buttons have been pushed, causing them to lose their temper or become defensive.

The idiom "get someone's dander up" is a figurative expression commonly used in informal or conversational settings. It is frequently employed in storytelling, anecdotes, or casual conversations to depict a person's emotional reaction to a specific event or situation.

Another idiom that is related to "get someone's dander up" is "get on someone's nerves." This phrase is used to describe situations where someone's actions or behaviors irritate or annoy another person. It implies a persistent or ongoing annoyance that gradually wears on someone's patience.

Similarly, the idiom "get someone's back up" is related to "get someone's dander up." It means to make someone angry or defensive by saying or doing something that challenges or provokes them. It suggests that someone's actions or words have caused someone else to become defensive or protective.

Another related idiom is "get a rise out of," which means to purposely provoke or annoy someone in order to elicit a strong emotional reaction. This is similar to "get someone's dander up" in that it involves intentionally pushing someone's buttons or provoking them to the point of anger or frustration.

Finally, the idiom "get up the yard" is also related to "get someone's dander up." This phrase is primarily used in Irish English and means to annoy or irritate someone. It suggests that someone's actions or words are bothersome or frustrating to the point of anger or frustration.

The idiom "get someone's dander up" is used to describe situations where someone becomes angry, irritated, or provoked. It implies a sense of escalating tension or a sudden outburst of anger. Other related idioms include "get on someone's nerves," "get someone's back up," "get a rise out of," and "get up the yard." Each of these idioms conveys a similar notion of provoking or irritating someone to the point of anger or annoyance.