English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Fly off the handle
Meaning
The idiom "fly off the handle" means to lose control, become extremely angry or agitated, or to behave in an unpredictable or chaotic manner. It can also refer to a sudden and unexpected event or situation that leads to chaos or confusion.
Usage
- The crowd went wild when the performer announced that she would be flying off the handle for her final song.
- When I found out that my flight was delayed, I started to fly off the handle with frustration.
- I had been working on this project for months and when my boss criticized me in front of the team, I flew off the handle.
- The sudden death of my mother left me feeling numb and I started to fly off the handle with grief.
- When he lost his temper during the argument, he started to fly off the handle and threw things around the room. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a more lighthearted or playful way when referring to someone's excitement or enthusiasm. However, it can also be used in a more serious or ominous way when referring to a situation that has become chaotic or unpredictable.
Roots and History
The idiom "fly off the handle" is believed to have originated in the 16th century and comes from an old English phrase "fly up the handle". This was used to describe someone who was angry or agitated, as they would fly up the spout of a pot or other container when they were upset. Over time, the idiom evolved to refer to someone who lost control completely and became unpredictable. The meaning of this idiom has remained relatively consistent over time, but its usage has become more common in contemporary language due to its vivid imagery and ability to describe a sudden and unexpected loss of control.
Synonyms in English
- Lose it
- Go nuts
- Blow a gasket
- Blow up
- Go ballistic
Synonyms in other languages
- Envolver (French) - To wrap up or cover oneself completely, often used to describe someone who is agitated or upset.
- Verlor (German) - A sudden loss of control, often used to describe a person's behavior.
- 稳定性 (Japanese) - Stability or balance, often used to refer to a situation that has become chaotic or unpredictable.
- 荒漠的 (Mandarin Chinese) - Chaotic or disorderly, often used to describe a situation that has lost control.
- بفندة (Arabic) - A sudden loss of control, often used to describe a person's behavior.