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

Word History and Origins

Origin of boil-over¹

Noun use of verb phrase boil over

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]

Example Sentences

“It’s years, a decade of frustration that is finally just boiling over,” said Jim Ross, an Oakland-based political consultant who is not working for either side.

From Los Angeles Times

Simu Liu is hustling to turn down the heat on a Canadian bubble tea company after criticism of its televised sales pitch to the Marvel superhero boiled over online.

From Los Angeles Times

The brothers have yet to give an interview explaining how they repaired their relationship, and fans are waiting to see whether tensions will boil over again when they return to the stage.

From BBC

She says cabin crew sometimes have to step in to stop anger boiling over between passengers.

From BBC

In a sense, Abbott’s strategy marked a continuation of the insurrection that boiled over on Jan. 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S.

From Salon

Related Words

• aggravate
• annoy
• antagonize
• arouse
• displease
• embitter
• enrage
• exacerbate
• exasperate
• excite
• incense
• inflame
• infuriate
• irritate
• offend
• outrage
• provoke
• rankle
• rile