1
general::
Phrase(s): loaded for bear
1. Inf. angry. • He left here in a rage. He was really loaded for bear. • When I got home from work, I was really loaded for bear. What a horrible day! 2. Inf. drunk. (An elaboration of loaded, which means "drunk.") • By the end of the party, Bill was loaded for bear. • The whole gang drank for an hour until they were loaded for bear.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Fully prepared for action; also, spoiling for a fight. For example, Bill tackled his new sales route loaded for bear, or When Martin was three hours late, his wife was loaded for bear. This term, dating from the mid-1800s, alludes to the heavy charge of powder or lead that hunters use for large animals like a bear.
American Heritage Idioms