wrong side of the bed
Meaning
To be in a bad mood from the start of the day; to be unusually irritable or grumpy.
Origin
From the old superstition that getting out of bed on a particular side could bring bad luck; it evolved into a humorous way to explain morning grumpiness.
Notes
Often a light, humorous way to explain someone’s irritability (your own or another’s). Can sound mildly accusatory if said to the person directly.
Examples
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He must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side this morning—he snapped at everyone in the meeting.
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I’m sorry I’m so grumpy today; I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
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If she’s acting like that, just give her some space—she probably got up on the wrong side of the bed.
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Don’t take his comments personally; he’s been on the wrong side of the bed all day.
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Did you get out of bed on the wrong side or what? You’ve been in a bad mood since breakfast.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used in the pattern “get up on the wrong side of the bed” or “must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.” Often with a possessive: “get up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Synonyms
- be in a bad mood
- be grumpy
- be irritable
- be out of sorts
Antonyms
- in a good mood
- bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
- wake up on the right side of the bed