hackles raised
Fur standing up
Hackles raised describes a state of anger, defensiveness, or alarm.
Hackles are the erectile hairs along an animal's neck and back that stand up when threatened—a dog with hackles raised is ready to fight.
In people, the phrase signals irritation or hostility: His condescending tone got my hackles raised.
The expression often appears as raise someone's hackles, meaning to provoke or antagonize them.
- bristlingStanding stiffly outward
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- furAnimal body hair
- angryFeeling strong displeasure
baring teeth · threatened · fight or flight · hostile · feathers · alert · agitated · on edge · tense · snarling · growling · prickled · standing up · confrontation · provoked · territorial · alpha male · guard dog