The phrase “blow a fuse” is a common idiom that is used to describe a situation where someone loses their temper or becomes very angry. The phrase is often used in everyday conversation and is frequently heard in movies and TV shows. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “blow a fuse.”
Definitions
The phrase “blow a fuse” is an idiom that means to lose one’s temper or become very angry. The phrase is derived from the idea of an electrical fuse, which is a safety device that is designed to protect electrical circuits from overloading. When an electrical circuit becomes overloaded, the fuse “blows,” which cuts off the flow of electricity and prevents damage to the circuit.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “blow a fuse” is not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that it may have originated in the early 20th century, when electrical fuses were becoming more common. Others suggest that the phrase may have originated in the 19th century, when steam engines were commonly used and would sometimes “blow a fuse” when they became overloaded.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “blow a fuse” is included in many dictionaries, and the meaning is generally consistent across different sources. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the phrase as “to become extremely angry or lose one’s temper suddenly.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to become very angry or upset.”
Associations
The phrase “blow a fuse” is often associated with situations where someone becomes very angry or loses their temper suddenly. It may also be associated with situations where someone is frustrated or overwhelmed and feels like they are at their breaking point.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for the phrase “blow a fuse,” including “lose one’s temper,” “fly off the handle,” “go ballistic,” “blow one’s top,” and “have a meltdown.”
Antonyms
The opposite of “blowing a fuse” would be to remain calm and composed in a difficult situation. Antonyms for the phrase might include “keep one’s cool,” “stay level-headed,” or “maintain one’s composure.”
The same root words
The phrase “blow a fuse” does not have any specific root words, as it is an idiom. However, the word “fuse” is derived from the Latin word “fusus,” which means “spindle.” The word “fuse” is also related to the word “fusion,” which refers to the process of joining two or more things together.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “blow a fuse”:
- When I told my boss that I had lost the report, he blew a fuse.
- My mom blew a fuse when she found out that I had crashed the car.
- I’m afraid that if I tell my dad I failed the test, he’ll blow a fuse.
- The customer service representative blew a fuse when I asked to speak to his supervisor.
- I was so frustrated with the slow internet that I nearly blew a fuse.
The phrase “blow a fuse” is a common idiom that is used to describe a situation where someone loses their temper or becomes very angry. The phrase is derived from the idea of an electrical fuse, which is a safety device that is designed to protect electrical circuits from overloading. The phrase is included in many dictionaries, and the meaning is generally consistent across different sources. There are many synonyms for the phrase, and it is often associated with situations where someone is frustrated or overwhelmed.