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Region: General | Usage example: She was hot under the collar when the plan changed.

Hot under the collar

Meaning

Irritated or angry.

Usage

Used when tempers flare unexpectedly.

Origin & History

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

Victorian clothing stiff collars made people feel overheated when angry.

Appears in early 1900s journalism.

Related Idioms

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Under your belt

Gained experience or completed.

Sweep under the rug

Ignore or conceal problems instead of addressing them.

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.