get one's dander up
get one's Irish up
get one's back up
To become or make angry or stubborn.
The boy got his dander up because he couldn't go to the store.
The children get the teacher's dander up when they make a lot of noise.
Fred got his back up when I said he was wrong.
Our criticisms of his actions just got his back up.
get-up-and-go
get-up-and-get
Energetic enthusiasm; ambitious determination; pep; drive; push.
Joe has a lot of get-up-and-go and is working his way through school.
give one an inch, and he will take a mile
If you give some people a little or yield anything, they will want more and more; some people are never satisfied.
I gave Billy a bite of candy and he wanted more and more. If you give him an inch, he'll take a mile.
The counselor said to Jack, "No, I can't let you get a haircut until Saturday. It's against the rules, and if I give an inch, someone will take a mile."
give one enough rope and he will hang himself
Give a bad person enough time and freedom to do as he pleases, and he may make a bad mistake or get into trouble and be caught. A proverb. Often used in a short form, give one enough rope.
Johnny is always stealing and hasn't been caught. But give him enough rope and he'll hang himself.
Mother didn't know who robbed the cookie jar, but she thought she could catch him if she gave him enough rope.
give to understand
To make a person think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint.
Mr. Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped him clean the yard.
To make a person understand by telling him very plainly or boldly.
Frank was given to understand in a short note from the boss that he was fired.
give-and-take
give and take
A sharing; giving and receiving back and forth between people; a giving up by people on different sides of part of what each one wants so that they can agree. Compromise.
Jimmy is too selfish. He has no notion of give-and-take with the other children but wants everything for himself.
There has to be give-and-take between two countries before they can be friends.
Give and take is an important element of a successful marriage.
Most business negotiations involve give and take between the parties involved.
Friendly talking or argument back and forth. Friendly sharing of ideas which may not agree; also: an exchange of teasing remarks.
After the meeting there was a lot of give-and-take about plans for the dance.
glad hand
A friendly handshake; a warm greeting.
Father went to the front door to give Uncle Fred the glad hand when he arrived.
The politician went down the street on election day giving everyone the glad hand.
go at it hammer and tongs
To attack or fight with great strength or energy; have a bad argument.
Bill slapped George's face and now they're going at it hammer and tongs in back of the house.
Helen and Mary have been arguing all day, and now they are going at it hammer and tongs again.
To start or do something with much strength, energy, or enthusiasm.
The farmer had to chop down a tree and he went at it hammer and tongs.
Charles had a lot of homework to do and he went at it hammer and tongs till bedtime.