fly off the handle — to suddenly become very angry and lose control of one's temper
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to suddenly become very angry and lose control of one's temper
Pronunciation (IPA): /flaɪ ɔːf ðə ˈhændəl/
Example Sentences
- My dad flies off the handle every time someone touches his remote control.
- Don't fly off the handle just because your coffee order was wrong.
- She flew off the handle when she discovered her cat had eaten her homework.
fly off the handle
NOUN[/flaɪ ɔːf ðə ˈhændəl/]
to suddenly become very angry and lose control of one's temper
to suddenly become very angry and lose control of one's temper
He flew off the handle by the candle, starting a scandal!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originated from the dangerous situation of an axe head suddenly flying off its handle during woodcutting. Emerging in 19th-century America, the phrase vividly describes a loss of control and unpredictable behavior.
Breakdown
fly (to move through the air) + off (away, detached) + the handle (grip or control). The metaphor transfers the literal image of an axe head separating from its handle to emotional loss of self-control.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dad flies off the handle every time someone touches his remote control.”
“Don't fly off the handle just because your coffee order was wrong.”
“She flew off the handle when she discovered her cat had eaten her homework.”
“The manager tends to fly off the handle under pressure.”
📚Related Words
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