Short fuse

Meaning

Someone who becomes angry quickly.

Usage

Describes temperamental people.

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.

A short fuse on explosives causes a quick reaction.

Used since early 20th century in military and civilian speech.