blow your top
Meaning
To suddenly lose your temper; to become extremely angry.
Origin
From the image of a container or volcano “blowing its top” when pressure builds up and the lid/top bursts off; applied to people whose anger erupts suddenly.
Notes
Informal, vivid way to say someone suddenly got very angry. Often implies an outburst or loss of control; can sound a bit casual.
Examples
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Dad blew his top when he saw the dent in the car.
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Try not to blow your top over a small mistake.
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She almost blew her top when the meeting got moved again.
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If you blow your top at work, you might regret it later.
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He blew his top after waiting on hold for an hour.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “blow your top” or with tense/person changes: “blew his top,” “she’ll blow her top.” Can take “at/over (something)” to mark the cause.
Synonyms
- blow up
- lose your temper
- hit the roof
- fly off the handle
- go ballistic
Antonyms
- keep your cool
- stay calm
- keep your temper
- bite your tongue