Idiom: “to get worked up”
Meaning: To become worried or angry about something; to build up
feelings of anticipation or anxiety about a situation, causing stress or strong
emotions.
feelings of anticipation or anxiety about a situation, causing stress or strong
emotions.
Example #1:
Superman: The day
is so short and I can’t rescue everyone.
is so short and I can’t rescue everyone.
Louis: Don’t get so worked up about it. You’re only one superhero.
Superman: I know,
but everyone expects me to be super and to protect the world.
but everyone expects me to be super and to protect the world.
Louis: That’s
not a reason to become so upset. It’s
too much pressure for one person.
not a reason to become so upset. It’s
too much pressure for one person.
Example #2:
Leslie: My favorite basketball team is losing the
game.
game.
Hanna: You’re getting worked up just talking about it.
Maybe you shouldn’t take sports so seriously.
Maybe you shouldn’t take sports so seriously.
Leslie: I grew up watching the team with my dad. We never miss a game. We were so excited that they made it to the
championship match this year.
championship match this year.
Hanna: I
understand, but it seems you’re really angry just thinking about the
score. Remember, it’s just a game.
understand, but it seems you’re really angry just thinking about the
score. Remember, it’s just a game.
Leslie: You’re
right.
right.
Meaning: “To get worked up” means to become worried or upset about something. In example 1, Superman
is so worked up about not being able to save anyone that he forgets he is just
one superhero. In example 2, Leslie is worked up about her team losing and
forgets about enjoying sports.
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