Have you ever heard someone say that they have a short fuse or that someone else is on a short fuse? This phrase is often used to describe someone who has a quick temper and is easily angered. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the phrase “be on/have a short fuse.”
Definitions
To be on/have a short fuse means to be easily angered or to have a quick temper. It implies that a person’s patience or tolerance for frustration is very low, and they are likely to react angrily or aggressively to even minor irritations.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “be on/have a short fuse” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The term “fuse” refers to the part of a bomb or explosive device that ignites the explosive material, causing it to explode. In this context, a short fuse would refer to a fuse that burns quickly, causing the explosion to occur sooner than expected. The phrase was likely adapted to describe a person who reacts quickly and explosively to minor irritations.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “to have a short fuse” means to have a quick temper or to be easily angered. The Cambridge dictionary defines the phrase as “to become angry very quickly and easily.” The Oxford English dictionary describes it as “a tendency to become angry or lose patience easily.”
Associations
The phrase “be on/have a short fuse” is often associated with negative traits such as anger, aggression, and impatience. It suggests that the person is difficult to deal with and may react inappropriately to minor issues. It can also imply that the person lacks self-control and is unable to manage their emotions effectively.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “be on/have a short fuse” include:
- Be easily provoked.
- Be hot-headed.
- Have a quick temper.
- Be irritable.
- Be touchy.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “be on/have a short fuse” include:
- Be patient.
- Be calm.
- Be easy-going.
- Be relaxed.
- Be level-headed.
The same root words
The phrase “be on/have a short fuse” does not have any root words, as it is an idiom.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the phrase “be on/have a short fuse:”.
- “Don’t mess with him, he’s on a short fuse today.”
- “She has a short fuse when it comes to dealing with rude customers.”
- “I wouldn’t bring up politics around him, he has a really short fuse.”
- “He’s always been on a short fuse, but it’s gotten worse since he lost his job.”
- “She needs to learn to control her temper, her short fuse is causing problems at work.”
In conclusion, the phrase “be on/have a short fuse” is used to describe someone who is easily angered or has a quick temper. It is an idiom that originated in the early 20th century and is associated with negative traits such as anger and impatience. While it can be challenging to deal with someone who has a short fuse, it is important to remember that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and we should try to be understanding and patient with one another.