flies off the handle
Loses one's temper
To fly off the handle is to lose one's temper suddenly and explosively, often over something minor: He flew off the handle when I mentioned the parking ticket.
The image is of an axe head coming loose and flying dangerously free.
Someone who flies off the handle reacts with disproportionate anger before calming down.
- flips outLoses control emotionally
- lose itSuccumb to overwhelming emotion
- loses controlFails to manage oneself
- fly into a rageBecome suddenly, intensely angry
- breaks downStops functioning properly
goes crazy · go ballistic · blow a fuse · outburst · rage · snapping · snap at · blow-up · fury · exasperation · lashing out · wrath · tantrum · eruption · hit the roof · short fuse · meltdown · blow a gasket
- losing itloses it, snaps, freaks out, flips out, goes crazy
flies off the handlekeeps one's cool
Remains calm despite provocation
bites one's tongue · rolls with the punches · holds it together · keeps it together
flies off the handleeven-tempered
Reliably calm disposition
cool-headed · level-headed · unflappable · calm · imperturbable