Hit the roof

Meaning

The idiom "hit the roof" means to be extremely angry, upset, or frustrated. It can also mean to experience a sudden surge of intense emotion, such as joy or excitement. This idiom often implies that someone's emotions have reached a boiling point and are about to overflow.

Usage

• He hit the roof when he found out his car was stolen.
• She hits the roof every time she loses an argument.
• The concert was so amazing, it hit the roof.
• He hit the roof with rage when he got stuck in traffic for hours.
• The excitement of winning the lottery hit the roof.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it may have derived from the idea of someone's emotions or energy reaching a breaking point, causing them to "break a sweat" or "hit the roof." This idiom may also be related to the idea of something reaching its maximum or peak intensity, such as a volcano erupting or a storm hitting with full force.

Synonyms in English

• Blow a fuse
• Go nuts
• Lose it
• Have a meltdown
• Pop a cork

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: tirar la almohada (literally, throw the pillow, implying to express strong emotions)
• French: faire du craque (to have a breakdown or collapse)
• Italian: far l'amore dei gatti (to be in love with cats, but also means to be extremely happy or excited)
• German: einen Taucher zu schlagen (to throw someone into the water, representing a sudden change of emotions)
• Arabic: سعد الشيء (to be happy and joyful)

Similar Idioms

• black mood

• half baked

• hang up