short fuse

noun

1. a quick temper:

   A person with a short fuse has to be handled diplomatically.

short fuse

noun

1. informal.
   a quick temper

Word History and Origins

Origin of short fuse¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

West’s mother was a demanding perfectionist, and his father, although a gregarious, outgoing man, had a short fuse and was a firm believer in corporal punishment.

From Los Angeles Times

“She said that he had trouble in his life, had anger management issues, a short fuse and for no valid reasons, he just gets angry,” he added.

From Seattle Times

Jules’s terrible secret and Preston’s short fuse give the film its underlying current of menace, while jittery, intimate camerawork homes in on the men’s wary, jaw-clenched faces, their bodies seemingly always on the verge of violence.

From New York Times

“But if the court of appeals gives us a stay with a short fuse, which is just what the Colorado court did a few days ago, that will hand him in and that's going to be the real lookout,” he said.

From Salon

Former Kraken defenseman Jeremy Lauzon played with an aggressive, short fuse that way, always on high alert and ready to instantly respond to the slightest provocation.

From Seattle Times