Definition & Meaning of "Foam at the mouth"

foam at the mouth

/fˈəʊm fɹˈɒθ at ðə mˈaʊθ/

/fˈoʊm fɹˈɑːθ æt ðə mˈaʊθ/

to foam at the mouth

PHRASE

to become extremely furious about something

to [foam|froth] at the mouth definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "foam at the mouth" and when to use it?

The phrase "foam at the mouth" has its origins in the physical symptom associated with rabies, a viral disease that affects mammals. When an animal such as a dog contracts rabies, the virus affects the central nervous system, leading to erratic behavior. This idiom is commonly used in discussions of heated arguments, intense confrontations, or instances of extreme frustration.

*** (especially of an animal) to have a mass of small bubbles in and around its mouth, especially because it is sick or angry