Meaning: This idiom means to suddenly lose one’s temper or become very angry, often without much provocation or warning. It implies an outburst of uncontrolled emotion.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “He tends to fly off the handle at the slightest criticism, making it difficult to give him feedback.”
- “When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she flew off the handle and started yelling at everyone.”
- “You need to stay calm during negotiations; flying off the handle won’t help resolve anything.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “fly off the handle” dates back to the 19th century in the United States. It is believed to come from the imagery of a loose axe head flying off its handle when swung, which could be sudden and dangerous. This sudden and uncontrollable event serves as a metaphor for someone abruptly losing their temper. The phrase captures the idea of an unexpected and volatile emotional outburst, much like the sudden detachment of an axe head.
