fly off the handle

1. To become suddenly enraged: “When Jack's father found out about the car, he really flew off the handle.”

Idioms and Phrases

Lose one's temper, as in Tom flies off the handle at the slightest setback . This metaphoric expression alludes to the loosened head of a hammer flying off after a blow. [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

The steady stream of Republican politicians showing up at the trial also appears to be a strategy for keeping Trump from flying off the handle in court.

From Salon

Edmonds police received a tip about a possible suspect who matched the description, took that route to work and reportedly had “an anger problem where he could fly off the handle at any moment.”

From Seattle Times

According to the New Yorker, Bourdain then flew off the handle about how he was disgusted, having traveled in Southeast Asia, to see Kissinger embraced by the “power-lunch crowd.”

From Los Angeles Times

They have difficulty concentrating, and Rawaa often flies off the handle, hitting other children at school.

From Seattle Times

He would fly off the handle over insignificant issues, punching, pushing, and restraining his new wife.

From BBC

Related Words

• blow up
• boil over
• erupt
• rampage
• roar
• seethe
• tear