jump down someone's throat
Attack with words
To jump down someone's throat is to respond with sudden, harsh criticism or anger, especially when the reaction seems disproportionate to the offense: I just asked a simple question and she jumped down my throat.
The image suggests an attack so aggressive it enters the body.
Often used to describe someone who is irritable or defensive.
- blow upViolently burst apart
- blow a gasketLose one's temper violently
- overreactRespond disproportionately to something
- beratingHarsh verbal criticism
- fly off the handleLose temper suddenly
go ballistic · rebuke · scolding · lose one's temper · lose your cool · get bent out of shape · anger · admonish · lash out · argument · snapping · hit the roof · tear into · chastise · come down hard · verbal attack · criticism · yelling
jump down someone's throatspeak softly
Vocalize at low volume
murmur · whisper · handle with care · tread lightly · sugarcoat
jump down someone's throatstay calm
Remain unruffled
count to ten · take a deep breath · sleep on it · let it go · shrug off
jump down someone's throatencourage
Urge forward with support
reassure · build up · cut some slack · praise · compliment