student asking question

What is the meaning of "I would’ve popped vein somewhere"? Why did she say that?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The phrase "pop a vein" is a largely American expression that was originally used when some one is angry or stressed out. The meaning was that their anger or stress is going to cause them to burst a vein, taken from the literal meaning that the pressure in their veins builds up causing it to pop. It is also used when talking about doing something difficult or strenuous, which is the case here. Meaning that the effort or strength needed to do something would be so much that it would cause a person to "pop a vein". Ex: My boss popped a vein when he heard that the printer still hadn't finished our order. (Got angry) Ex: My mom practically popped a vein cleaning the whole house this weekend. (Strenuous activity)

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