C1idiominformalemotionsIELTS-friendly
have a short fuse
USUK
to get angry very quickly and easily
About someone's character; 'fly off the handle' is the moment of anger. Also 'short-tempered'.
In context
My boss has a short fuse, so I never give him bad news before lunch.
When I don't sleep enough, I have a short fuse with the kids.
More idioms about emotions
- a bitter pill to swallowan unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
- a bundle of nervesvery nervous and worried
- a chip on your shouldera lasting anger because you feel you were treated unfairly in the past
- a knot in your stomacha tight, sick feeling in your body caused by worry or fear
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry