What does “Up the wall” mean?
"Up the wall" means feeling extremely frustrated or annoyed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Her constant nagging is driving me up the wall.
Example
I've been waiting for hours and the delay is driving me up the wall.
Example
The never-ending paperwork is making me go up the wall
Is “Up the wall” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Up the wall” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Up the wall” effectively in context?
You can use "Up the Wall" to express extreme frustration or annoyance. It emphasizes the feeling of being driven to the point of exasperation. For example, if someone's constant nagging is bothering you, you might say, 'Her constant nagging is driving me up the wall.'
- 1Annoying Behavior
His loud chewing is driving me up the wall.
- 2Waiting
I've been waiting for hours and the delay is driving me up the wall.
- 3Tedious Tasks
The never-ending paperwork is making me go up the wall.
Similar phrases to “Up the wall”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Up the wall” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Up the Wall" is unknown.
Is “Up the wall” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Up the Wall" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their frustration or annoyance with a situation or someone's behavior.
What tone does “Up the wall” have?
"Up the Wall" conveys a tone of exasperation and irritation. It's used to emphasize the intensity of one's frustration or annoyance.
Can “Up the wall” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Up the Wall" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of extreme frustration or annoyance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His constant complaining is driving me up the wall.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'This traffic is driving me "up the wall"!' to express frustration.
