getting one's knickers in a knot
Fussing over nothing
Getting one's knickers in a knot means becoming upset, agitated, or worked up over something—often something minor.
The image is of underwear twisted uncomfortably, suggesting self-inflicted distress.
Mostly British, and usually appears in the negative as advice to calm down: Don't get your knickers in a knot over a parking ticket.
The American equivalent is "getting one's panties in a bunch."
- frettingAnxious rumination or surface wear
- blowing a fuseLosing control angrily
- in a tizzyState of nervous agitation
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- flying off the handleLosing composure suddenly
getting worked up · having a fit · losing one's cool · losing the plot · irritation · indignation · making a mountain out of a molehill · throwing a tantrum · overreacting · agitation · exasperation · flipping out · huffing and puffing · in a huff · annoyance · rolling one's eyes · nervousness · anxiety
getting one's knickers in a knotkeeping one's cool
Staying composed when provoked
chilling out · going with the flow · taking it easy · taking it in stride · relaxing
getting one's knickers in a knottaking it in stride
letting it go · rolling with the punches · water off a duck's back · picking one's battles