What does “Hot under the collar” mean?
"Hot under the collar" means feeling angry or irritated.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He was hot under the collar when he found out about the mistake.
Example
She gets hot under the collar whenever someone interrupts her.
Example
The customer was hot under the collar due to the long wait time
Is “Hot under the collar” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hot under the collar” 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 “Hot under the collar” effectively in context?
You can use "Hot under the collar" to describe someone who is feeling angry or irritated. It emphasizes the physical sensation of heat, as if their collar is getting hot due to their anger. For example, if a friend is visibly upset about a mistake, you might say, 'He was really hot under the collar when he found out about the mistake.'
- 1Work
She gets hot under the collar whenever someone interrupts her during a meeting.
- 2Customer Service
The customer was hot under the collar due to the long wait time.
- 3Personal Relationships
He was hot under the collar after his partner forgot their anniversary.
Similar phrases to “Hot under the collar”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hot under the collar” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hot under the collar" is unknown.
Is “Hot under the collar” common in everyday conversation?
"Hot under the collar" is a fairly common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their own or someone else's anger or irritation.
What tone does “Hot under the collar” have?
"Hot under the collar" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It suggests that the person is visibly upset and may be on the verge of losing their temper.
Can “Hot under the collar” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Hot under the collar" is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for 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, 'She gets hot under the collar whenever someone interrupts her.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm getting "hot under the collar"!' to express frustration.
