blowing-a-fuse
/ˌbləʊ.ɪŋ ə fjuːz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To suddenly become very angry and lose control. It is informal and often sounds vivid or dramatic.
- He blew a fuse when he saw the bill.
- Don't blow a fuse over one mistake.
- My dad blew a fuse at the bad news.
Adinary Nuance
Blowing a fuse is more sudden and dramatic than getting angry. It suggests a sharp loss of control, often with shouting or strong emotion. It is stronger than annoyed and less formal than furious.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nổi cáu
- Spanish
- perder los nervios
- Chinese
- 大发脾气
- Japanese
- かんしゃくを起こす
- Korean
- 화를 내다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the old idea of a fuse in a machine or electrical system breaking under too much power. It began as a figurative expression in modern English.
Common phrases
blow a fusemake someone blow a fuseblow a fuse over something
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is blowing a fuse formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it in conversation, not in formal writing.
- Is blowing a fuse the same as getting angry?
- Yes, but it means much stronger anger and a sudden loss of control.
- Can I use blowing a fuse in IELTS speaking?
- Yes, if you want a natural, expressive phrase in speaking answers.