got wound up

USAGE SUMMARY

"got wound up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe feeling agitated, anxious, or stressed out. It can also be used to mean becoming entangled or caught in something physical. Example: After a long day at work, I got wound up when I couldn't find my car keys. Example: The kite got wound up in the branches of a tree and we had to spend an hour untangling it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I got wound up.

Independent

People got wound up awful easy.

The New York Times - Books

On the day of the second attack, according to some accounts, a visitor came by the house of Café's girlfriend, and the dogs got wound up.

The New Yorker

I got heckled, another audience member got wound up by it and, before I knew it, they were squaring up to each other and were thrown out.

The Guardian

The bottom line is, if it wasn't something you got wound up about every now and then, it wouldn't be worth doing".

The New York Times - Sports

Ken has just got wound up and claims people turning up for a Freedom Pass aged 60 and 61 are being turned away.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"She'd just get wound up".

The New Yorker

Judge Barker was just getting wound up.

The New Yorker

I could feel myself getting wound up.

The Guardian - Sport

You get wound up because you are making your points and you believe them".

The New York Times

I don't fit in at school and get wound up easily.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "got wound up", consider adding context to clarify the cause of the agitation. For example, "He got wound up about the upcoming deadline" provides more information.

Common error

Avoid using "got wound up" when you want to convey positive excitement. While it can imply anticipation, it often suggests anxiety or stress. Use alternatives like "got excited" or "became eager" for positive contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got wound up" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state, specifically becoming agitated, anxious, or excited. Ludwig confirms its common usage. It describes a process of escalating emotional or physical tension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got wound up" is a commonly used expression to describe becoming agitated, anxious, or excited. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it leans towards informal usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and care should be taken to ensure it aligns with the intended tone, particularly avoiding its use when describing exclusively positive excitement. Alternatives such as "became agitated" or ""became anxious"" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got worked up

A more informal and colloquial alternative.

became anxious

Highlights the feeling of worry and unease.

became agitated

Focuses on the resulting state of being upset and nervous.

became uptight

Highlights a state of tension and rigidity.

became stressed

Emphasizes the feeling of being under pressure.

became flustered

Focuses on the feeling of being confused and agitated.

lost composure

Indicates a loss of calmness and self-control.

became overwrought

Suggests a state of extreme emotional distress.

became excited

Emphasizes a heightened emotional state, not necessarily negative.

got in a stew

An idiomatic expression suggesting a state of worry and anxiety.

FAQs

What does "got wound up" mean?

"Got wound up" means to become agitated, anxious, or stressed. It can also refer to becoming entangled in something physical.

What can I say instead of "got wound up"?

You can use alternatives like "became agitated", "became anxious", or "got worked up" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "got wound up" or "became anxious"?

Both "got wound up" and "became anxious" are correct, but "became anxious" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

How do I use "got wound up" in a sentence?

Example: "She "gets wound up" easily when discussing politics."