go up the wall

/ɡˌəʊ ˌʌp ðə wˈɔːl/

/ɡˌoʊ ˌʌp ðə wˈɔːl/

[phrase]

to go up the wall

[PHRASE]

to react to something in a very angry and furious way

to [go] up the wall definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "go up the wall" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go up the wall" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century. The expression likely draws on the image of someone becoming so frustrated or agitated that they metaphorically climb up the walls, symbolizing their heightened state of distress or irritation. This expression is commonly used in informal conversations, personal relationships, or casual settings to convey a sense of exasperation. It can be used to describe reactions to persistent noise, delays, technical difficulties, or any circumstance that tests one's patience and sanity.

Examples

1. He’ll go up the wall when he finds out.

2. Yeah, a second after I told him, he went up the wall.

3. This is a garage still, so the floor still has this nice and poxy on it that goes up the wall in case you ever had water in here, which we shouldn't for this point

4. We've got some stone that goes up the wall in here.

Nearby words