The origin of the idiom "throw a wobbly" can be traced back to British slang, specifically from the mid-20th century. The term "wobbly" is believed to refer to a wobbling or unsteady movement, symbolizing a loss of emotional balance or control. This phrase can be applied to various situations, both personal and professional, where individuals display intense emotional distress and express their feelings in an exaggerated or uncontrolled way. It is often used to describe moments of frustration, disappointment, or perceived injustice, where the person's emotional response goes beyond what is considered reasonable or proportionate.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw a wobbly" and when to use it?

to [throw] a (wobbly|wobbler)

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The origin of the phrase "rant and rave" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English. The word "rant" originated from the Dutch "ranten," meaning "to talk foolishly or extravagantly." The word "rave" originated from the Middle English "raven" or "ravien," meaning "to speak wildly or irrationally." This idiom is often used to describe situations where individuals engage in intense and uncontrolled verbal expressions, usually characterized by excessive volume, strong emotions, and a sense of irrationality. It can be applied to personal interactions, public debates, political discussions, or even social media posts that involve passionate and often confrontational language.

What is the origin of the idiom "rant and rave" and when to use it?

to [rant] and [rave]

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The exact origin of the idiom "scream blue murder" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. This phrase can be applied to various situations, such as encounters with spiders, unexpected events, or situations that evoke strong negative emotions. It is often used to convey a sense of surprise, shock, or frustration, emphasizing the person's heightened emotional state.

What is the origin of the idiom "scream blue murder" and when to use it?

to [scream|shout] (blue|bloody) murder

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The origin of the idiom "short fuse" can be traced to the field of explosives and pyrotechnics, where a fuse is a cord or wire used to ignite an explosive device. In this context, a "short fuse" refers to a fuse that burns quickly, causing the explosive to detonate rapidly after ignition. This phrase can be applied to personal relationships, work environments, or any situation where discussions about anger management, impatience, or quick-triggered reactions arise. It is often used to convey a sense of warning or caution, suggesting that the person in question may react explosively or disproportionately to even minor provocations.

What is the origin of the idiom "short fuse" and when to use it?

a short fuse

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The exact origin of the phrase "go through the roof" is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century. This idiom is derived from the image of something rising so rapidly and forcefully that it breaks through the roof, symbolizing a significant increase or escalation. It is often associated with emotions, such as anger or frustration, reaching a peak or becoming uncontrollable. It can be applied to emotions, prices, levels of intensity, or any situation where there is a notable surge or rise. When used to describe emotions, it signifies becoming extremely angry, agitated, or upset, often accompanied by an intense outburst.

What is the origin of the idiom "go through the roof" and when to use it?

to [go] through the roof

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The idiom "worked up" likely originated from the idea of becoming physically or mentally agitated or exhausted after engaging in strenuous or intense work. The phrase may have evolved from the notion of working oneself into a state of heightened emotion or excitement. This expression is used in various contexts or occasions to describe a state of heightened emotional agitation, exhaustion, or anticipation. It is commonly employed to depict individuals who are very angry or upset about something unpleasant that has happened, such as a frustrating situation, unfair treatment, or disappointing outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "worked up" and when to use it?

worked up

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The origin of the idiom "red as a cherry" is not specifically documented. However, it can be understood as a figurative expression that highlights the physical reaction of blushing or flushing associated with intense anger or embarrassment. This phrase is used in personal interactions, discussions about emotional states, or descriptions of individuals experiencing strong emotional reactions. It finds application in situations where someone's anger reaches a heightened level, resulting in a noticeable physical change in their facial complexion.

What is the origin of the idiom "red as a cherry" and when to use it?

(as|) red as a cherry

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The idiom "make one's hackles rise" has its origins in the behavior of animals, particularly dogs and certain birds, whose hackles or raised hairs on the back of their necks or shoulders are a visible sign of agitation or arousal. The term "hackles" specifically refers to the long, erectile hairs along the spine of certain animals that can stand on end when they are feeling threatened or aggressive. The phrase is commonly used during arguments, debates, or contentious discussions where individuals feel attacked, insulted, or challenged. It can also be used in situations where someone feels threatened or offended, leading to a heightened emotional state.

What is the origin of the idiom "make one's hackles rise" and when to use it?

to [make] {one's} hackles rise

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The idiom "see red" is believed to have originated from the physiological response of the human body during intense emotional states, particularly anger. The phrase is commonly used in situations where individuals feel deeply angered, provoked, or threatened, leading to an intense visceral reaction. It can be used during arguments, conflicts, or confrontations when emotions run high and individuals may act impulsively or aggressively.

What is the origin of the idiom "see red" and when to use it?

to [see] red

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The origin of the idiom "mad as a hornet" can be traced back to the behavior of hornets themselves. Hornets are known for their aggressive nature and ability to inflict painful stings when provoked. The phrase likely originated from observations of hornets' aggressive behavior and the association of their anger with the intensity of human emotions. It is particularly used during conflicts, arguments, or confrontations where emotions are running high and individuals display intense anger. It can also be used in situations where someone feels deeply provoked, offended, or wronged, leading to a furious emotional response.

What is the origin of the idiom "mad as a hornet" and when to use it?

(as|) mad as a hornet

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The origin of the phrase "fly off the handle" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The phrase is believed to have derived from the image of a loose axe head flying off the wooden handle with great force when the handle is swung vigorously. This sudden and uncontrolled separation of the axe head from the handle serves as a metaphor for someone losing their temper explosively and unexpectedly. This idiom is commonly used to describe heated arguments, conflicts, or confrontations where emotions escalate rapidly and individuals lose their composure.

What is the origin of the idiom "fly off the handle" and when to use it?

to [fly] off the handle

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The origin of the idiom "blow a fuse" can be traced back to the early 20th century when it emerged as an idiomatic expression in American English. The phrase draws its metaphorical meaning from the electrical fuse, a safety device that breaks or "blows" when there is an overload of electrical current, thereby preventing damage to the circuit. It is commonly employed when individuals reach a breaking point and react explosively to a triggering event or situation. It is often used to describe instances where someone becomes overwhelmed by emotions and loses their temper in a sudden and dramatic manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "blow a fuse" and when to use it?

to [blow] a (fuse|gasket)

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The phrase "foam at the mouth" has its origins in the physical symptom associated with rabies, a viral disease that affects mammals. When an animal such as a dog contracts rabies, the virus affects the central nervous system, leading to erratic behavior. This idiom is commonly used in discussions of heated arguments, intense confrontations, or instances of extreme frustration.

What is the origin of the idiom "foam at the mouth" and when to use it?

to [foam|froth] at the mouth

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The idiom "hot under the collar" originated in the early 19th century, referring to the physical reaction of the body when experiencing heightened emotions. It symbolizes the visible signs of anger, embarrassment, or irritation, as blood vessels dilate, causing a flushed or red appearance specifically around the neck and face. It is commonly employed in situations where someone becomes heated or agitated due to a specific trigger, such as during arguments, confrontations, or when faced with a humiliating or frustrating event.

What is the origin of the idiom "hot under the collar" and when to use it?

hot under the collar

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The exact origin of the phrase "fit to be tied" is unclear, but it has been in usage since the early 19th century. The phrase is believed to have derived from the literal act of tying someone up or confining them due to their extreme anger or agitation. The expression is often used when someone feels provoked beyond their tolerance level or when they have encountered a series of frustrating circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "fit to be tied" and when to use it?

fit to be tied

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The phrase "go ballistic" originated from the field of military technology and ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are known for their high speed and unguided flight trajectory, making them difficult to intercept. In the 20th century, the term "ballistic" came to be associated with explosive and uncontrolled movements. The idiom is often used in situations where someone feels deeply provoked, betrayed, or confronted with unexpected surprises. It can be applied to heated arguments, confrontations, or instances where individuals feel a sense of powerlessness or injustice.

What is the origin of the idiom "go ballistic" and when to use it?

to [go] ballistic

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The phrase "do one's nut" is used to describe someone getting extremely angry or frustrated. Its origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged in informal language and refers to someone's intense emotional reaction. It is often employed to describe individuals who have reached a breaking point, where their emotions become overwhelming and they may temporarily lose control. This phrase is typically used in informal conversations or casual settings, emphasizing a sense of exasperation or being pushed to the limit.

What is the origin of the idiom "do one's nut" and when to use it?

to [do] {one's} nut

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Explore English idioms that relate to losing one's temper with examples like "go ballistic" and "hot under the collar".

English Idioms for "Losing One's Temper"