threw a tantrum
Had a fit
To throw a tantrum is to have an outburst of uncontrolled anger or frustration, typically involving crying, screaming, or physical displays like stomping feet.
The phrase originally described children's emotional meltdowns but extends to adults behaving childishly when they don't get their way: He threw a tantrum when the restaurant was out of his favorite dish.
- blew upBurst from pressure
- flew off the handleReacted with sudden rage
- lost itSuddenly gave way emotionally
- flipped outLost emotional control suddenly
- overreactionDisproportionate emotional response
made a scene · frustration · crying · stomping · anger · flailing · pouting · conflict · screaming · hissy fit · defiance · meltdown · impulsivity · acted out · yelling · outburst · distress · embarrassment