has a cow
Goes completely ballistic
To have a cow is to become extremely upset, agitated, or angry about something—an overreaction to a situation: Don't have a cow, it's just a small dent.
The phrase suggests someone losing composure over something relatively minor.
Popularized by Bart Simpson's catchphrase "Don't have a cow, man."
- panicsLoses control from fear
- snapsQuick fasteners or photos
- overreactsResponds disproportionately to stimulus
- freaks outReacts with extreme alarm
- hits the roofBecomes extremely angry
hits the ceiling · loses it · blows up · flips out · flies off the handle · goes nuts · loses their mind · goes ape · goes ballistic · throws a tantrum · throws a fit · plays possum · cries wolf · chickens out
emotional reaction intensity
has a cowkeeps one's cool
Remains calm despite provocation
takes it easy · goes with the flow · chills out · mellows out