bow up

C1 slang intransitive

In simple words

To act tough or aggressive, like you are about to start a fight.

Literal meaning: To bend or curve (bow) upward, as a cat arches its back when threatened.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

rare

(US Southern dialect) To become aggressive or confrontational, especially by adopting a threatening posture or attitude.

"Don't bow up at me — I'm just trying to have a conversation."

Usage notes

Primarily used in US Southern and rural dialects. Rarely used outside those regions and not widely understood. Can also describe an animal puffing up to appear larger as a threat display. Not used in formal contexts.

Commonly used with

angry at someone attitude fight threaten

Forms

Base

bow up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

bows up

he/she/it

Past simple

bowed up

yesterday

Past participle

bowed up

have + pp

-ing form

bowing up

continuous

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Synonyms

square up puff up bristle get aggressive act tough

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