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to blow a fuse
01
to suddenly lose one's temper and become extremely angry
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "blow a fuse" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "blow a fuse" can be traced back to the early 20th century when it emerged as an idiomatic expression in American English. The phrase draws its metaphorical meaning from the electrical fuse, a safety device that breaks or "blows" when there is an overload of electrical current, thereby preventing damage to the circuit. It is commonly employed when individuals reach a breaking point and react explosively to a triggering event or situation. It is often used to describe instances where someone becomes overwhelmed by emotions and loses their temper in a sudden and dramatic manner.
Example
She often blows a gasket when her siblings borrow her belongings without asking.
Whenever he encounters incompetence at work, he tends to blow a fuse and express his frustration loudly.
Yesterday, he blew a gasket when he discovered that his car had been scratched by someone in the parking lot.
She blew a fuse during the meeting when her ideas were repeatedly dismissed.
The short in the circuit blew a fuse.
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