Meaning: To feel angry, annoyed, or agitated, often in a way that’s visible or difficult to hide.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She got hot under the collar when her coworker took credit for her idea.”
- “You don’t need to get hot under the collar about the delay; we’ll resolve it soon.”
- “He tends to get hot under the collar whenever someone criticizes his work.”
Origin:
The phrase refers to the physical sensation of heat or discomfort around the neck that often accompanies anger or frustration. Historically, people wore high-collared shirts, and the idea of someone getting “hot” under such a collar visually conveys their irritation or anger. It has been used in English since the late 19th century.
