throwing a tantrum
Losing it publicly
Throwing a tantrum is having an uncontrolled outburst of anger or frustration, typically involving crying, screaming, or flailing.
The phrase originally described toddler meltdowns but extends to adults behaving childishly when they don't get their way: He threw a tantrum when his flight was delayed.
The image is of literally hurling one's composure aside.
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- throwing thingsPropelling objects outward
- kickingStriking with foot
- cryingEmotional tear release
- hittingMaking forceful contact
overstimulation · stomping · frustration · sulking · hyperventilating · wailing · holding breath · pouting · meltdown · losing it · embarrassment · inconsolable · flailing · outburst · exhaustion · shouting · running away · whining
throwing a tantrumkeeping one's cool
Staying composed when provoked
keeping calm · holding it together · self-control · equanimity · stoicism
throwing a tantrumtaking it in stride
rolling with the punches · grinning and bearing it · acquiescing · letting it go · going with the flow