Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

get one's Irish up

idiom

/ɡɛt wʌnz ˈaɪrɪʃ ʌp/

Definition

To become angry or indignant.

Examples

When he started to insult her, she really got her Irish up.
Don’t get your Irish up over a minor disagreement.
He has a calm demeanor, but once you cross him, you’ll see him get his Irish up.

Meaning

The phrase ‘get one’s Irish up’ means to provoke a strong emotional reaction, particularly anger, in someone. It often refers to a reaction that is somewhat unexpected or outside of a person’s usual demeanor.