throw one's toys out of the cot

Definition & Meaning of "throw one's toys out of the cot"

to throw one's toys out of the cot

PHRASE

to lose one's temper and behave irrationally

to [throw] {one's} (toys|rattle) out of the cot definition and meaning

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "throw one's toys out of the cot" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "throw one's toys out of the cot" is not definitively documented, but it is believed to have originated in British English. The expression draws from the image of a young child having a tantrum and throwing their toys out of their cot or crib in frustration. It is commonly employed when someone responds childishly or irrationally to a situation that may not warrant such an extreme response.

Example

The politician's controversial tweet had the opposition party throwing their rattle out of the cot with heated accusations and insults.

After being passed over for a promotion, he threw his toys out of the cot by angrily resigning from the company.

The customer's unreasonable demands had the customer service representative feeling tempted to throw their toys out of the cot, but they remained composed and handled the situation professionally.