Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

get-up-on-ones-hind-legs

idiom

/ɡɛt ʌp ɒn wʌnz haɪnd lɛɡz/

Definition

To stand up or rise, often used to describe an animal upright position or a person taking a stand in a figurative sense.

Examples

When the community felt threatened, they really got up on their hind legs to protest the decision.
The cat suddenly got up on its hind legs to get a better view of the bird outside.
He tends to get up on his hind legs whenever someone challenges his opinions.

Meaning

This phrase typically means to become defensive or to take a stance on an issue, similar to how some animals may rise up on their hind legs to appear more imposing.