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

1. 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