ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get someone's dander up

idiom
Meaning

To anger or annoy someone.


Origin

disputed origin

US mid-19th century. Uncertain origin.

Examples
SIMPLE

His rude comments really got my dander up.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician knew that mentioning the new tax would get the voters' dander up.

COMPLEX

The manager was careful with his words, knowing that any hint of criticism would quickly get the team's dander up.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  2. 02

    answer someone's prayers

    To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  3. 03

    answer to someone's prayers

    Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  4. 04

    apple of someone's eye

    The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.

  5. 05

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  6. 06

    bane of someone's existence

    Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.

  7. 07

    bash someone's face in

    To beat someone violently.

  8. 08

    bash someone's head

    To beat up someone violently.

Last updated July 12, 2026