in a lather

Idioms and Phrases

Also, in a state . Agitated and anxious, as in Don't get yourself in a lather over this , or She was in a state over the flight cancellation . The first term alludes to the frothy sweat of a horse, the second to an upset state of mind. [Early 1800s] For a synonym, see in a stew .

Example Sentences

But the experience left him in a lather, and feeling sorry for DMV employees manning the daily conveyor belt of human misery.

From Los Angeles Times

By time Villalba took the stage, the audience was in a lather.

From Los Angeles Times

By time Villalba took the stage, the audience was in a lather.

From Los Angeles Times

When I reached Arnaud, 75, she’d already renewed her license, but she was still in a lather.

From Los Angeles Times

A couple in a convertible sipped on milkshakes while two white guys in fatigue jackets circled them in a lather, hurling racial epithets.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• obsessive