(transitive) To deal with (a person) harshly and abruptly.

(idiomatic) To anger or annoy someone.

Alternative form of like a rat up a drainpipe

(informal, UK) Emphatic form of fed up: very frustrated, annoyed, tired.

Extremely busy; having many pressing obligations, distractions, etc consuming one's time.

(colloquial) To start behaving properly; get one's act together.

To surprisingly succeed despite long odds; to stealthily or unobtrusively rise up from a low-status position.

To be careful and alert to the possibility of danger.

(simile, UK, slang) cheated or exploited; treated unfairly

(idiomatic) To be angry or defensive.