hate one's guts

/hˈeɪt wˈɒnz ɡˈʌts/

/hˈeɪt wˈʌnz ɡˈʌts/

[phrase]

to hate one's guts

[PHRASE]

to hate someone to an extreme degree

What is the origin of the idiom "hate someone's guts" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "hate someone's guts" is not definitively documented, but it likely stems from the idea that a person's intestines, specifically the guts, are associated with strong emotions and feelings. It often arises in heated personal conflicts, arguments, or discussions where individuals want to emphasize the intensity of their negative feelings.

Examples

1. I used to hate his guts, then I realized he was just playing the bad guy, and for a good reason too.

2. And no, he didn’t raise his children without love or affection, and his daughter didn’t hate his guts until the day she committed suicide.

3. And I have met so many people that love the idea of being a sea turtle biologist, but they hate their guts in the field.

4. That guy really hates my guts.