# have the wind up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-the-wind-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be frightened or disturbed.

## Examples

- He has the wind up about his upcoming exam.
- The strange noises in the old house really have the wind up for the new tenants.
- With the sudden arrival of the inspectors, the entire staff had the wind up, fearing that their minor errors would finally be exposed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.