← Back to collection
Region: US | Usage example: After the unfair review he was so mad he could chew nails and spit bullets.

So mad I could chew nails and spit bullets

Meaning

Extremely angry, to the point of feeling violent.

Usage

Expresses outrage in informal speech.

Origin & History

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

Lurid Southern metaphor for uncontrollable rage.

Appeared in mid-20th-century newspapers and radio chatter.

Related Idioms

Bite off more than you can chew

Take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

Spit in the wind

Do something self-defeating.

Chew the fat

Engage in friendly, informal conversation.

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.