have kittens
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (idiom) To become extremely angry, upset, or agitated; to lose one's temper in a sudden and dramatic way.
Usage
This is an informal idiom used to describe a strong, often sudden, emotional reaction of anger or panic. It is typically used in spoken English and informal writing.
Examples
- She had kittens when she saw the mess in the living room.
- My boss is going to have kittens if this report isn't finished on time.
- Don't have kittens; I'm sure we can fix the problem.
Advanced Usage
- The idiom often implies that the anger or panic is an overreaction or is somewhat comical from an outside perspective.
- It can be used in a hyperbolic way to describe worry or anxiety, not just anger.
- I was having kittens waiting for your test results.
Variants and Related Words
- Have a cow (verb, idiom): A very similar informal idiom meaning to become very upset or angry.
- Don't have a cow; it was just a minor mistake.
Synonyms
- Flip out (verb, informal): To react with strong, sudden emotion.
- Go ballistic (verb, informal): To become extremely angry.
- Hit the roof / Hit the ceiling (verb, idiom): To suddenly become very angry.
- Fly into a rage (verb phrase): To suddenly become violently angry.
Related Idioms
- Bite someone's head off (idiom): To respond to someone with sudden, fierce anger.
- I just asked a simple question and she bit my head off.
Verb
- get very angry and fly into a rage
- The professor combusted when the student didn't know the answer to a very elementary question
- Spam makes me go ballistic