IDIOMS ABOUT FEELING ANGRY OR ANNOYED

TO LOSE ONE’S TEMPER – to lose patience because of provocation and not be able to control your feelings

Two people walked along the shoreline to C city. One of them was a tall man with a rather serious facial expression. He wore white loose robes and looked like a mountain covered with snow. The second man was the absolute opposite of the first one: black robes fitted tightly over his flexible and slim body, his young face shone with a bright smile. He kept joking and teasing his older friend who seemed to be losing his temper already.

LOOK DAGGERS AT SOMEONE – to look at someone with hostility or anger

The first man looked daggers at (2) the second one, showing his deep discontent.

TO BE IN A BLACK MOOD – to feel very unhappy or depressed

A: Are you in a black mood today? The weather is perfect and we've almost reached our destination. There’s no reason to look so upset.

DRIVE SOMEONE UP THE WALL – to make someone annoyed, irritated by doing or saying something (1)

CUT IT OUT! – used to ask or make someone stop doing something (2)

B: I’m not upset! You drive me up the wall (1) when you jump around and shout so loudly. Could you, please, cut your witless babbling out (2) and behave!

TO GET ON SOMEONE'S NERVES – to annoy or make someone nervous

A: Does my small talk get on your nerves? Fine! I can stop talking and… sing you a song, ok? So, I’ll start…

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! – used to express anger, annoyance, impatience

B: For crying out loud! You’re such a spoiled brat!

TO BLOW A FUSE – to become very angry or irritated very suddenly (1)

TO MAKE ONE’S HACKLES RISE – to cause someone to be extremely angry or hostile (2)

A: It’s not me! It’s you who always blows a fuse out of the blue! How come a simple song and chatter about the weather make your hackles rise so easily? It was so kind of me to entertain you during this boring journey and you repay me with such an attitude. Ah, you've wounded me to my core!

GIVE IT A REST! – it’s used to make ask or make someone to stop talking about something (1)

TO FLY OFF THE HANDLE – to become unable to control your feelings or emotions due to extreme anger (2)

B: Give it a rest (1)! Don’t you see I’m about to fly off the handle (2) and gag you!

TO THROW A FIT – to express anger by shouting or acting violently

A: Oh Lord! There’s no need to throw a fit in the middle of the road! Got it, I’ll keep silent!

TO HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH SOMEONE – to have something to complain about (1)

TO BE UP IN ARMS – to be angry about something and be ready to protest or take action against it (2)

B: Yeah, you better keep your promise,'cause l don't want to have a bone to pick with you (1). Otherwise, I’ll be up in arms (2) to make you behave.

A: Meaner! Ok, sorry, sorry. My lips are sealed.

Test your knowledge of idioms about feling angry or annoyed here:

Test 1