What does “Mad as a hornet” mean?
"Mad as a hornet" means being very angry.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When he found out about the betrayal, he was mad as a hornet.
Example
She was mad as a hornet when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
Example
The customer became mad as a hornet when his order was messed up
Is “Mad as a hornet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Mad as a hornet” 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 “Mad as a hornet” effectively in context?
You can use "Mad as a hornet" to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious. It emphasizes the intensity of their anger. For example, if a friend is furious about a betrayal, you might say, 'When he found out about the betrayal, he was mad as a hornet.'
- 1Betrayal
When he found out about the betrayal, he was mad as a hornet.
- 2Messy Situation
She was mad as a hornet when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
- 3Customer Service
The customer became mad as a hornet when his order was messed up.
Similar phrases to “Mad as a hornet”:
Extremely angry or enraged
Example
She was furious when she discovered the truth.
Extremely angry or furious
Example
He was livid when he saw the damage to his car.
Filled with intense anger or fury
Example
The crowd became enraged when they heard the news.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Mad as a hornet” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Mad as a hornet" is unknown.
Is “Mad as a hornet” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Mad as a hornet" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express extreme anger or frustration.
What tone does “Mad as a hornet” have?
"Mad as a hornet" conveys a tone of intense anger. It's used to describe someone who is very upset and furious.
Can “Mad as a hornet” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Mad as a hornet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes strong emotions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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 was mad as a hornet when she found out about the mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He was "mad as a hornet"!' to imply extreme anger.
