see red
Definition
Verb (Phrasal Verb) * To become very angry; to lose one's temper suddenly and intensely. This idiom describes a strong, often uncontrollable, emotional reaction of anger, as if one's vision is clouded by the color red.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe a sudden and powerful feeling of anger. It is informal and often used for dramatic effect. It typically describes a reaction to a specific provocation. * It functions as a verb phrase. * It is intransitive; it does not take a direct object. * It is often used in the simple past tense to describe a specific reaction.
Examples
- Simple Past: "When he heard the insult, he saw red and started shouting."
- Infinitive: "The unfair criticism made her see red."
- With Adverb: "I absolutely see red when people are dishonest."
Advanced Usage
- The idiom can be used in various tenses to describe the state or action of becoming furious.
- Present Continuous: "He is seeing red over the decision, so it's best not to talk to him right now."
- Future: "If she finds out you broke it, she'll see red."
Variants and Related Words
- Red mist (n.): A state of intense, blind rage. (e.g., "A red mist descended when he saw the damage to his car.")
- Hot under the collar (adj. phrase): Annoyed or angry.
- Livid (adj.): Furiously angry.
Synonyms
- Fly into a rage
- Blow a fuse/gasket
- Hit the roof
- Go ballistic
- Lose one's cool
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Blow up: To explode in anger. (e.g., "He blew up at his assistant for the mistake.")
- Go off (on someone): To suddenly become very angry and speak angrily to someone. (e.g., "My boss went off on me for being late.")
Related Idioms
- Make one's blood boil: To cause someone to become extremely angry.
- At the end of one's rope/tether: To have no more patience.
- Bite someone's head off: To respond with sudden, sharp anger.
Verb
-
become angry
-
He angers easily
-
