ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have the wind up

idiom
Meaning

To be frightened or disturbed.


Examples
SIMPLE

He has the wind up about his upcoming exam.

CONTEXTUAL

The strange noises in the old house really have the wind up for the new tenants.

COMPLEX

With the sudden arrival of the inspectors, the entire staff had the wind up, fearing that their minor errors would finally be exposed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  2. 02

    break wind

    To expel gases generated during digestion, especially through the anus; to fart.

  3. 03

    candle in the wind

    A fragile or vulnerable thing, likely to be put in jeopardy.

  4. 04

    finger to the wind

    An attention to or focus on or awareness of current or prevailing trends, public opinion, or shifting circumstances.

  5. 05

    four sheets to the wind

    Extremely drunk.

  6. 06

    get the wind up

    To become frightened or disturbed.

  7. 07

    get wind

    To be divulged; to become public.

  8. 08

    get wind in one's jaws

    To have too much to say; talk too much; run at the mouth; to speak one's mind or voice one's opinion about a matter; blabber

Last updated April 17, 2026