blow a fuse
Meaning
To suddenly lose your temper; to become very angry (or, less often, for a device to stop working when a fuse burns out).
Origin
From electricity: when too much current flows, a fuse “blows” and the circuit stops. By metaphor, a person “blows a fuse” when emotions overload and they lose control.
Notes
Informal; emphasizes a sudden, intense anger. Usually about people, but can also be literal for electrical devices.
Examples
-
My dad blew a fuse when he saw the dent in the car.
-
If you blow a fuse at work, you might regret what you say later.
-
She nearly blew a fuse when the flight was canceled for the third time.
-
Try not to blow a fuse—I'll explain everything.
-
He blew a fuse after waiting on hold for an hour.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as “blow a fuse” or “blows/blew/blown a fuse.” Often with a trigger: “blow a fuse at/over/about (something).” The article “a” is fixed.
Synonyms
- lose your temper
- flip out
- blow up
- see red
- go ballistic
Antonyms
- keep your cool
- stay calm
- keep your temper