What does “Blow a fuse” mean?

"Blow a fuse" means to become very angry or lose one's temper.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He blew a fuse when he found out about the mistake.

Example

I could see her starting to blow a fuse as she listened to his excuses.

Example

My dad will blow a fuse if he sees the mess we made

Is “Blow a fuse” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Blow a fuse” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Blow a fuse” effectively in context?

You can use "Blow a Fuse" to describe someone becoming extremely angry or losing their temper. It emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of the anger. For example, if a friend gets angry when they find out about a mistake, you might say, 'He blew a fuse when he found out about the mistake.'

1Mistake or Error
She blew a fuse when she found out about the mistake.
2Excuses or Justifications
I could see her starting to blow a fuse as she listened to his excuses.
3Mess or Disarray
My dad will blow a fuse if he sees the mess we made.

Similar phrases to “Blow a fuse”:

Lose one's temper

To become angry or lose control of one's emotions

Example

She lost her temper when she heard the news.

Fly off the handle

To suddenly become very angry or lose one's temper

Example

He flew off the handle when he saw the mess.

Hit the roof

To become extremely angry or furious

Example

She hit the roof when she found out about the mistake.

Go ballistic

To become very angry or lose control

Example

He went ballistic when he heard the news.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Blow a fuse” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Blow a Fuse" is unknown.

Is “Blow a fuse” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Blow a Fuse" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone getting very angry or losing their temper.

What tone does “Blow a fuse” have?

"Blow a Fuse" conveys a tone of extreme anger or frustration. It's often used to emphasize the intensity of someone's emotional reaction.

Can “Blow a fuse” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Blow a Fuse" is a relatively informal expression. It's commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be appropriate in more formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He blew a fuse when he found out about the mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "blow a fuse"!' to express frustration or anger.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

lose it
freak out
have a meltdown
get mad
get angry
get worked up

Antonyms

stay calm
keep one's cool
remain composed
stay level-headed
control one's temper