Definition

Verb (idiom): - To become extremely angry suddenly; to lose one's temper in a very dramatic or explosive way. This idiom describes a strong, often uncontrollable, outburst of anger, as if one's anger is so intense it could metaphorically propel them to hit the ceiling.

Usage

This idiom is used to describe a person's reaction to a frustrating, annoying, or unacceptable situation. It implies a loss of control and a visible, intense display of anger. - It is typically used in informal contexts. - The subject is the person who becomes angry.

Examples

• Verb:
  • When my dad saw the dent in the car, he hit the ceiling.
  • The manager will hit the ceiling if the project is late again.
  • She hit the ceiling after discovering the broken vase.

Advanced Usage

• Tense Variations: The idiom is flexible and can be used in various tenses (e.g., , , ).
• Passive/Descriptive Use: While primarily active, it can be used descriptively (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Hit the roof: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
• Go ballistic: To become violently angry. (As seen in the reference context: "Spam makes me go ballistic.")
• Blow a fuse / Blow one's top: Other idioms meaning to lose one's temper suddenly.
• Combust: To explode with anger. (As seen in the reference context: "The professor combusted...")
• Fly into a rage: To suddenly become very angry.

Synonyms

• Explode
• Erupt
• Lose one's cool
• Flip out (very informal)

Related Phrasal Verbs

Note: "Hit the ceiling" itself is an idiomatic phrasal verb. Standard phrasal verbs with "hit" (like "hit on" or "hit back") are not directly related to this idiom's meaning.

Related Idioms

• See red: To become very angry.
• Go through the roof: Often used for prices increasing dramatically, but can also mean to become very angry, similar to "hit the ceiling/roof."
• Have a fit / Throw a fit: To have an outburst of anger or annoyance.

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