Up the wall

usgb
phrase

To make someone very annoyed or exasperated.

Her constant chatter is enough to drive anyone up the wall.
Visual representation of "up the wall" - to make someone very annoyed or exasperated

Often appears as...

  • drive me up the wall
  • go up the wall

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "up the wall"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

The phrase often suggests strong frustration, used when someone or something is highly irritating.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
His indecision is driving me up the wall!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Use

Best used in casual conversation. It may be too informal for professional or academic contexts.

Illustration for Informal Use
This noisy construction has been driving us up the wall all week.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Speech

Understand it's a metaphor; it doesn't mean someone is literally climbing a wall.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
Stop yelling! You're driving me up the wall.
Visual representation of the word "Up the wall"

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