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Region: General | Usage example: His boss hit the roof when the deadline slipped.

Hit the roof

Meaning

Lose temper dramatically.

Usage

Used for sudden anger outbursts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

People reached for roofs when storms triggered strong responses.

Appears in 20th-century newspaper columns.

Related Idioms

Raise the roof

Make a lot of noise or celebrate loudly.

Fly off the handle

Lose one's temper suddenly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.