What does “Fly off the handle” mean?
"Fly off the handle" means to suddenly become very angry or lose control of your emotions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He flew off the handle when he found out about the mistake.
Example
She tends to fly off the handle at the smallest things.
Example
I try to stay calm and not fly off the handle in stressful situations
Is “Fly off the handle” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fly off the handle” 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 “Fly off the handle” effectively in context?
You can use "Fly off the handle" to describe someone who becomes extremely angry or loses control of their emotions in a sudden and explosive manner. It emphasizes the idea of a quick and intense reaction. For example, if a friend gets angry easily, you might say, 'Be careful what you say, he tends to fly off the handle.'
- 1Relationships
She flew off the handle when her partner forgot their anniversary.
- 2Work
He flies off the handle whenever there's a mistake in his reports.
- 3Family
The siblings often fly off the handle during arguments.
Similar phrases to “Fly off the handle”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fly off the handle” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fly off the handle" is unknown.
Is “Fly off the handle” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fly off the handle" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's explosive anger or emotional outbursts.
What tone does “Fly off the handle” have?
"Fly off the handle" conveys a tone of sudden and intense anger or emotional instability. It suggests a lack of control and a tendency to react impulsively.
Can “Fly off the handle” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Fly off the handle" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized expression that describes an extreme emotional reaction. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as professional discussions or presentations.
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 flew off the handle and started yelling.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't fly off the handle!' to caution someone against losing their temper.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- have a meltdown
- go off the deep end
- go berserk
- lose one's temper
- have a fit
Antonyms
- stay calm
- keep one's cool
- remain composed
- control one's emotions
