Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to get uptight

to get uptight

3 7.7
Feel nervous and tense in stressful situations
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɡɛt ˈʌptaɪt/
  • Informal
translation icon : ponerse nervioso
  • If you get uptight about small mistakes, you will never enjoy the process of learning.
  • just get uptight

I'll say guns and then the audience immediately feel the audience get uptight because I've said nothing but guns.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Many authors get uptight about what panels they'll be on, or when their scheduled signing time is.

    Blog text (20)

  • I'm not gonna get uptight about this."

    Before Sunrise (1995)

  • Now, now, now, don't get uptight.

    The Pawnbroker (1965)

  • Just don't get uptight, sweetie.

    Coonskin (1975)

  • I think that it is good manners to be on time, but I don't get uptight when people are late.

    Blog text (24)

  • And if you get uptight there's no reason why you shouldn't.

    Eggshells (1971)

  • Hey, don't get uptight.

    New Year's Evil (1980)

  • Don't get uptight.

    The Mechanic (1972)

  • You shouldn't get uptight before the big presentation; just stay calm and focused.

  • He tends to get uptight when deadlines approach, which makes it hard for him to relax.

Synonyms

to work up
vsto get uptight
  • Informal
57 5.6

To become very upset or angry because of something

is direct nervousness in a stressful situation rather than self-built agitation
to run scared
vsto get uptight
  • Informal
14 5.7

Act in a nervous way because you are afraid or feel pressure

is general nervousness under stress, not only fearful avoidance
to tense up
vsto get uptight
  • Informal
9 3.7

To make your muscles tight when you feel nervous

is broader anxiousness, not only muscle tension or physical tightness
to get your knickers in a twist
vsto get uptight
  • UK
2 9.1

To become upset or worried about small things

is anxiety from real stress rather than worry about trivial matters
to get the wind up
vsto get uptight
  • UK
1 9.3

To suddenly feel nervous or worried

is general anxiousness in stressful situations rather than sudden alarm
to get het up
vsto get uptight
  • Archaic
1 9.6

To become too angry or upset about small things

is anxious or tense from stress rather than needless anger or excitement
to get all het up
vsto get uptight
  • UK
1 9.5

Become very upset about something small

is anxiety tied to stressful events rather than reactions to trivial things
to get into a tizz
vsto get uptight
  • UK
1 9.6

To become very worried or upset about small things

is nervousness in pressure situations, not mainly about small issues
to run up the walls
vsto get uptight
  • UK
8.2

To feel very worried and unable to relax

is anxious or tense without reaching that extreme restlessness
to get your shorts in a knot
vsto get uptight
  • Informal
9.9

Get very upset or worried about something small

is tension from stressful circumstances rather than minor upset or fuss

Antonyms

to calm down
  • Informal
594 1.4

To become less angry, excited, or upset

to take it easy
  • Informal
572 2.5

Relax and avoid doing too much or worrying

How Anxious

to panic
272 2.3
to get uptight
  • Informal
3 7.7
to worry
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

get uptight infinitive
got uptight past
got uptight past participle
getting uptight present participle
gets uptight third person singular

Morphology

get + uptight

The meaning 'to become anxious or tense' is directly derivable from combining 'get' (marking change of state/become) with 'uptight' (anxious, tense). The 'get + adjective' construction is highly productive in English and mirrored in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the expression.

Etymology

Get uptight comes from a simple body picture: imagine someone pulling their shoulders up and their muscles becoming tight, so they look stiff and worried. That's why get uptight means 'become anxious' or 'tense' in a stressful situation.