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bent out of shape
What is the origin of the idiom "bent out of shape" and when to use it?
The origin of the phrase "bent out of shape" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. The phrase uses the metaphor of physical distortion or contortion to describe someone's emotional state. It can be used in various scenarios, such as when someone gets upset over a small mistake or inconvenience, or when they become excessively angry or annoyed over a trivial matter.
Example
He got bent out of shape when his favorite coffee shop ran out of his preferred blend, making a big fuss about it.
When the plans for the outing changed slightly, he got bent out of shape and refused to participate, sulking for the rest of the day.
She was really bent out of shape when her colleague received recognition for a project she felt she had contributed more to.
The customer became bent out of shape over a minor pricing discrepancy, demanding to speak to the manager and causing a scene.
The politician got bent out of shape over a satirical cartoon, taking personal offense and demanding an apology from the artist.
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