English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Fit of anger
Meaning
The idiom "fit of anger" refers to a sudden, intense burst of anger or rage. It is often used to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious at the moment. The phrase is believed to have originated in medieval times when people would physically lose control of their bodies when they were very angry.
The literal meaning of the idiom "fit of anger" is a sudden and intense burst of anger that leads to physical loss of control. Figuratively, it means someone who is extremely angry or furious at the moment.
Usage
- John was in a fit of anger after losing his job.
- The police arrived just in time to calm her down before she had a fit of anger.
- I'm not sure what triggered his fit of anger, but he stormed out of the room.
- She had a fit of anger when she found out that her flight was delayed.
- He was in a fit of anger after getting into an argument with his wife. The usage of "fit of anger" can vary depending on the context. It is often used to describe someone who has lost control over their emotions and actions. However, it can also be used to exaggerate the severity of someone's anger or to make a dramatic point in a story or conversation.
Roots and History
The phrase "fit of anger" is believed to have originated in medieval times when people would physically lose control of their bodies when they were very angry. The word "fit" comes from the Old French word "fait," which means "made." In this context, it means that someone's anger has made them lose control of their body. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer more metaphorically to intense emotions rather than physical loss of control. However, the meaning and usage of the idiom have remained relatively consistent over time.
Synonyms in English
- blow a fuse
- lose one's temper
- have a meltdown
- go off the handle
- fly off the handle
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "tirar un taco": This phrase means to throw a fit or get extremely angry.
- French - "avoir la tête rousse": This phrase means to have a red head, which is a common idiom for getting extremely angry.
- German - "lachen": This phrase means to laugh, but can also be used to describe someone who is laughing uncontrollably due to anger or frustration.
- Italian - "cadere nella follia": This phrase means to lose one's mind or go insane, which can be used to describe extreme anger or madness.
- Japanese - "怒り": This word means anger or rage and is often used in the context of a fit of anger. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any intense emotion or reaction.