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View synonyms for boil-over

boil-over

[ boil-oh-ver ]

noun

, Australian and New Zealand Slang.
  1. an unexpected result.


boil over

verb

  1. to overflow or cause to overflow while boiling
  2. intr to burst out in anger or excitement

    she boiled over at the mention of his name

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of boil-over1

Noun use of verb phrase boil over
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Idioms and Phrases

Erupt in anger, excitement, or other strong emotion. For example, The mere mention of a tax increase will make Kevin boil over . This phrase alludes to overflowing while boiling. [Second half of 1800s]
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Example Sentences

Businesses are suffering more each day in an area where the rents are extortionate, and the situation could boil over soon.

But eventually, you need to have that conversation, otherwise it will boil over.

The moment came for the three-week conflict between pro-Russian authorities and the pro-E.U. opposition to boil over.

Add the shrimp stock and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil over high heat.

And with that, tensions between Michael and Dunder Mifflin's HR rep boil over.

Coranda killed him, skinned him, cut him up with the meat and vegetables, and put the whole to boil over the kitchen fire.

Huge breakers, urged on by the southeast monsoon, boil over these rocks from one year's end to the next.

Ned knew well enough that nothing ailed his horse, but he was so mad, he had to go out doors, for fear he'd boil over.

If you should pour the water all in at once the sugar would simply boil over and burn you.

An insolent laugh from the miller, as he arose from his seat, almost made the young man's passion boil over.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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