“Flying off the Handle”: Meaning, Examples and Sentences
Elaboration and Examples:
The idiom “flying off the handle” is used to describe someone who suddenly and uncontrollably becomes angry or loses their temper. When someone “flies off the handle,” they react in an explosive and uncontrolled manner, often over something relatively minor.
The origin of this phrase is thought to date back to the 1800s when axes were commonly used to chop wood. Axes were typically made with a head that was fastened to the handle with a wooden wedge or pin. If the wedge became loose, the head of the axe could come off unexpectedly and fly off the handle, creating a dangerous situation. This unexpected and uncontrolled movement is said to have inspired the phrase “flying off the handle” to describe someone losing their temper in an uncontrolled way.
Here are a few examples of how the phrase can be used:
- I asked my boss for a day off and he flew off the handle, yelling at me for no reason.
In this example, the phrase is used to describe the sudden and uncontrolled anger that the boss displays in response to a simple request.
- Every time we bring up the topic of politics, my aunt flies off the handle and starts yelling.
In this example, the phrase is used to describe the aunt’s tendency to become explosively angry whenever politics is mentioned.
Overall, the phrase is used to describe someone who becomes suddenly and uncontrollably angry, often over something relatively minor. The phrase’s origins in the uncontrolled movement of an axe head flying off its handle add to the imagery of the sudden and unexpected outburst of anger.
Sentences on “Flying off the Handle”
I didn’t mean to make her angry, but she flew off the handle anyway.
When my brother lost his favorite toy, he flew off the handle and started yelling.
I know you’re angry, but don’t fly off the handle and say things you’ll regret later.
My mom flew off the handle when she saw the mess we made in the kitchen.
Sometimes my dad flies off the handle when he’s driving and other drivers make him angry.
My teacher flew off the handle when someone kept interrupting during class.
When my little sister doesn’t get her way, she flies off the handle and starts crying.
I could tell my friend was about to fly off the handle when he started clenching his fists.
It’s not good to fly off the handle all the time because it can scare people away.
I try to take a deep breath and calm down when I feel like flying off the handle.
Whenever my little brother breaks my things, my mom starts flying off the handle.
My dad can be very calm, but when he gets angry, he flies off the handle.
I try not to fly off the handle when my teacher gives me too much homework.
Sometimes my friend gets so frustrated with video games, he starts flying off the handle.
When my parents argue, they often end up flying off the handle and yelling at each other.
My sister flew off the handle when she saw that I ate her favorite snack.
My coach flew off the handle when our team lost the championship game.
I knew my teacher was about to fly off the handle when she started raising her voice.
I try to take deep breaths and not fly off the handle when my little sister is being annoying.
My grandma is usually very sweet, but sometimes she flies off the handle over little things.
My mom was so mad about my grades that she flew off the handle and grounded me for a month.
I try to stay calm in arguments, but sometimes I can’t help flying off the handle.
My boss flew off the handle when he found out we missed our sales target for the quarter.
I know my little brother can be annoying, but there’s no reason for him to fly off the handle like that.
I made the mistake of asking my dad if he could drive me to the mall and he flew off the handle, saying he had too much work to do.
My girlfriend flew off the handle when she saw that I was still texting my ex.
I’m afraid to bring up the topic with my friend because last time we talked about it, she flew off the handle and didn’t speak to me for weeks.
My teacher flew off the handle when a student interrupted her during class.
My roommate flew off the handle when I accidentally spilled water on her laptop.
I can’t believe my coach flew off the handle like that. We lost one game and he’s acting like it’s the end of the world.
I know you’re stressed, but there’s no need to fly off the handle like that.
Whenever he drinks too much, he tends to fly off the handle and start fights.
I was so angry when I found out what she did, I almost flew off the handle.
My boss flew off the handle when he found out we missed the deadline.
Don’t let little things get to you and make you fly off the handle.
I was scared to tell him the truth because I didn’t want him to fly off the handle.
Her dad flew off the handle when he saw the dent in his car.
I try to stay calm and not fly off the handle when I’m driving in traffic.
He always flies off the handle whenever someone disagrees with him.
It’s important to communicate effectively and not let our emotions cause us to fly off the handle.
