boil over: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘boil over’ mean?
The idiom *boil over* means to lose control of one's emotions and become extremely angry or upset. This expression is often used in situations where emotions reach a point of overflowing or becoming uncontrollable, much like boiling liquid that spills over the edge of a pot.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lose one's cool" means to become angry, agitated, or lose control of one's emotions in a situation.
The idiom "keel over" means to suddenly fall over, usually due to extreme tiredness, illness, or shock. It can also be used figuratively to describe a sudden collapse or failure of something.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hit the roof" means to become very angry or furious about something.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "go overboard" means to go to great or excessive lengths, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable. It implies an extreme or exaggerated action or behavior, often resulting from enthusiasm or excitement.
The idiom "go batshit" means to become extremely angry or lose control in a crazy or irrational way.
The idiom "go bananas" means to become extremely excited, agitated, or irrational. It is often used to describe someone losing control of their emotions or behaving in a wild and unpredictable manner.
The idiom "go ballistic" means to become extremely angry or to lose control of one's emotions in a very intense and explosive manner.
Unexpected Chaos
boil up is another idiomatic phrase that is related to the idiom boil over. It carries a similar meaning and is often used interchangeably with boil over. The phrase "boil up" refers to the process of emotions or situations intensifying and reaching a breaking point, much like a liquid reaching its boiling point. When emotions boil up, they become uncontrollable and can lead to outbursts or confrontations.
An example of the phrase "boil up" in use is: "The tension in the room was palpable, and you could feel the anger boiling up among the participants."
Similarly, "boiling mad" is another related idiom that is often used synonymously with boil over. When someone is "boiling mad," it means that they are extremely angry or furious. The phrase conveys a sense of intense emotion that is on the verge of erupting, much like a liquid that is about to boil over its container.
For example, you might say: "She was boiling mad when she found out about the betrayal."
The idioms "boil up" and "boiling mad" are closely related to the idiom boil over. They all convey a sense of intense emotion or a situation reaching a breaking point. Whether it's emotions boiling over, boiling up, or someone being boiling mad, these idioms add color and expressiveness to the English language.
Example usage
Analysis:
The idiom "boil over" refers to a situation where emotions or tensions become so intense that they can no longer be controlled or contained. It typically describes a scenario where feelings or anger reach a peak and are expressed in an uncontrolled or explosive manner.
Here are three examples of how the idiom "boil over" can be used in sentences:
- After years of repressed frustration, all her pent-up anger finally boiled over, and she exploded in a fit of rage.
- During the heated argument, his temper boiled over, and he shouted curse words at the top of his lungs.
- The ongoing tensions in the office finally boiled over, resulting in a physical altercation between two coworkers.
In each of these examples, the idiom "boil over" is used to describe a situation where emotions or tensions reach a breaking point and are expressed in an intense or uncontrolled manner.
More "Expressions" idioms
