fly off the handle

The phrase fly off the handle is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of fly off the handle.

Meaning of "fly off the handle"

Meaning

The phrase “fly off the handle” is an English idiom used to refer to a sudden and exaggerated outburst of anger. It is also used to describe someone who is prone to outbursts and is often used in phrases such as “he just flew off the handle when I mentioned X.”

Etymology

The origin of the phrase “fly off the handle” is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the head of an axe or hatchet, which is known as a “handle.” The phrase itself has been used since the 1800s, although its exact origin is unknown. It could also be an alteration of the phrase “fly out of the handle”, which is also an old phrase with a similar meaning.

Usage

The phrase “fly off the handle” is often used in everyday language, typically in a joking manner to describe someone who loses their temper suddenly. It can also be used to describe someone who is particularly hot-tempered and prone to outbursts. In some cases, it is also used in a serious manner to describe a person who has a serious problem with anger management.

Example Sentences

• He always flies off the handle when someone disagrees with him.
• I can't believe she just flew off the handle like that.
• She had a tendency to fly off the handle whenever things didn't go her way.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.