What does “Blow a gasket” mean?
"Blow a gasket" means to become extremely angry or lose one's temper.
What context can I use the in?
Example
My boss blew a gasket when he found out about the mistake.
Example
I could see him starting to blow a gasket as he read the email.
Example
She blew a gasket when she saw the mess in the kitchen
Is “Blow a gasket” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Blow a gasket” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Blow a gasket” effectively in context?
You can use "Blow a Gasket" to describe someone becoming extremely angry or losing their temper. It emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the emotional outburst. For example, if a friend gets furious over a small mistake, you might say, 'Wow, he really blew a gasket over that!'
- 1Work
My boss blew a gasket when he found out about the mistake.
- 2Communication
I could see him starting to blow a gasket as he read the email.
- 3Household
She blew a gasket when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
Similar phrases to “Blow a gasket”:
Lose one's cool
To become angry or lose control of one's emotions
Example
He lost his cool when he realized he had been tricked.
Fly off the handle
To suddenly become very angry or lose one's temper
Example
She flew off the handle when she heard the news.
Hit the roof
To become extremely angry or explode with rage
Example
He hit the roof when he saw the damage to his car.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Blow a gasket” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Blow a Gasket" is uncertain, but it likely comes from the idea of an engine gasket blowing out, causing a sudden release of pressure and potentially damaging the engine. This explosion of anger or frustration is similar to the sudden release of pressure in an engine.
Is “Blow a gasket” common in everyday conversation?
"Blow a Gasket" is a fairly common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's explosive anger or extreme frustration.
What tone does “Blow a gasket” have?
"Blow a Gasket" conveys a tone of intensity and strong emotion. It's often used to describe someone's anger or frustration reaching a boiling point.
Can “Blow a gasket” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Blow a Gasket" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It may not be as appropriate in formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He blew a gasket when he found out about the mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really "blew a gasket"!' to imply someone's extreme anger.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- go ballistic
- have a meltdown
- flip out
- lose it
- go off the deep end
Antonyms
- stay calm
- keep one's cool
- remain composed
- stay level-headed
