To put their back up

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/advan-68 “Back Again”, question 10

He’s one of those irritating people who manages within a few minutes of meeting someone to … their back up.

(a) shift
(b) put
(c) place
(d) turn

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/advan-68 “Back Again”, answer 10

He’s one of those irritating people who manages within a few minutes of meeting someone to put their back up.

Correct answer: (b) put

Hello! I don’t understand it! … to put their back up …

Batman :wink:

2

Hi Batman,

This means to upset/irritate/annoy someone.

Alan

3

Hi Alan,

I think TURN THEIR BACK UP also suits the situation. Does’nt it?? HELP!!!

4

Hi Ceo,

I’m afraid that doesn’t work. Possibly you are thinking of the expression: ‘turn your back on someone’, which suggests that you ignore someone or take no notice of someone.

Alan

5

Hi teachers,

Does the expression ‘to put smb’s back up’ originate from our pets? I would say that a cat put its’ back up literally when it doesn’t like another cat and is trying to frighten it. (Of course, there is the figurative sense in the test.)

Am I right?

Thanks in advance,
Vladimir.