What does the idiom "make one's blood boil" mean?

make one's blood boil is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression make one's blood boil is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "make one's blood boil"

Meaning

The idiom ‘make one’s blood boil’ is used to express an extreme level of anger or frustration, usually in response to something that someone finds unjust or unbearable. It is a figure of speech suggesting this emotion is so strong that it is enough to make one's blood, which usually runs at a consistent temperature, reach boiling point.

Etymology

The phrase ‘make one's blood boil’ is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, when this expression – and similar ones such as ‘blood is boiling’ or ‘blood is on the boil’ – were used to describe an extremely angry mood. The term ‘blood’ is used metaphorically, often in relation to a person’s temperament, to represent their feelings and passions. The image of boiling water is also ancient and used in many contexts to describe a state of immense anger.

Usage

The phrase is often found in popular culture, used in books, films, television shows and music. It is used to convey the idea that a person is so angry that their blood is boiling. It is often used in the context of something personal or political that has been done that is seen as wrong or unjust, which causes this extreme emotion. For example, when a character in a book has been wronged, the narrator may say ‘His blood boiled with rage’.

The phrase is also commonly used in informal conversations as a way of expressing intense emotions. It is usually used to describe feelings of anger, but in some cases, it can also be used to describe feelings of excitement or passion. For example, an excited person might say ‘My blood is boiling!’ when speaking about something they are looking forward to.

Example Sentences

  • The injustice of it all made his blood boil.
  • When he heard the news, his blood boiled with rage.
  • The excitement made her blood boil.
  • Her blood was boiling with indignation at the unfairness of it all.

The meanings of the words in the "make one's blood boil" idiom

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.

NO COMMENT

No comment has been written about make one's blood boil yet, you can write the first comment and share your thoughts with our other visitors.
Leave a Reply