Hot under the collar

Meaning

Irritated or angry.

Usage

Used when tempers flare unexpectedly.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Victorian clothing stiff collars made people feel overheated when angry.

Appears in early 1900s journalism.