fit to be tied
Meaning
Extremely angry, upset, or agitated—often to the point of losing self-control.
Origin
Recorded in American English from the late 1800s. The exact origin is uncertain; it likely evokes someone so frantic or unruly with anger that they ought to be restrained (tied up).
Notes
Colloquial and emphatic. It can sound a bit old-fashioned but is still understood. Strong phrasing—use carefully when describing someone’s anger.
Examples
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My boss was fit to be tied when the client canceled at the last minute.
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Dad will be fit to be tied if he finds out we dented his car.
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She was fit to be tied after waiting on hold for an hour and then getting disconnected.
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The coach was fit to be tied when the team showed up late to the championship game.
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I was fit to be tied when my package arrived empty.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as a predicate complement after linking verbs: “be/was fit to be tied.” Often followed by “about/over + noun/clause.” Fixed phrase; rarely varied.
Synonyms
- furious
- livid
- mad as hell
- seeing red
- up in arms
- hopping mad
Antonyms
- calm
- unfazed
- unbothered
- cool as a cucumber