English Idioms

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Foam at the mouth

Meaning

The idiom "foam at the mouth" means to be extremely angry or agitated, often to the point of losing control. It can also refer to a situation where there is a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, or eagerness. The expression is derived from the image of foam bubbling up from a person's mouth as they froth with emotion.

Usage

  • When she found out her flight was cancelled, she began foaming at the mouth with anger and frustration.
  • The crowd went wild during the concert, with some fans foaming at the mouth with excitement.
  • After losing the argument, he started foaming at the mouth with rage and stormed off.
  • The young children were foaming at the mouth with anticipation as they waited for their favorite cartoon character to appear.
  • When he got caught cheating on his exam, he became so agitated that he started foaming at the mouth with guilt. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it may be used to describe a person's reaction or a situation's intensity. The idiom can also be used in a more lighthearted way to describe someone who is particularly enthusiastic about something.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "foam at the mouth" is uncertain, but it is thought to have emerged during the 16th century. It may have been derived from the idea of a person frothing with excitement or anger, much like how water foams when it's agitated. In ancient times, people would foam at the mouth when they were particularly ecstatic about something, such as when they won a battle or a race. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to include more emotions beyond just excitement. Today, it is commonly used to describe a range of intense emotions, including anger, frustration, and eagerness.

Synonyms in English

  • Blow a fuse
  • Lose it
  • Become irate
  • Go ballistic
  • Have a fit

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: Couler le sang (literally means "to spill blood")
  • German: Außer sich (means "out of oneself")
  • Italian: Farsi un'esultanza (means "to have a fit")
  • Spanish: Perder la cabeza (means "to lose one's head")
  • Portuguese: Envergonhar-se (means "to feel indignant")

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