lose your temper
Meaning
To suddenly become angry and show it; to lose self-control because of anger.
Origin
Recorded from the 1600s; “temper” originally meant a person’s habitual state of mind or disposition (from the idea of being “tempered” or mixed in proper proportion). To “lose” it is to lose that emotional balance and become angry.
Notes
Common and neutral; implies a lapse in self-control and can carry mild criticism or regret. Often used with “at/with” + person/situation.
Examples
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He lost his temper when the meeting ran over and nobody had answers.
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Try not to lose your temper with the kids—they're just tired.
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I almost lost my temper, but I took a deep breath and stayed calm.
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She rarely loses her temper, so everyone knew something was wrong.
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If you lose your temper at work, you might regret it later.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: lose/loses/lost your/his/her/their temper. Often followed by “at/with + person” (e.g., lost his temper at the waiter). Can be used as a noun phrase: “a loss of temper.”
Synonyms
- fly off the handle
- blow your top
- get angry
- lose your cool
Antonyms
- keep your temper
- stay calm
- keep your cool