lose one's temper

/luːz wʌnz ˈtɛmpər/
phrasal verb★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To become very angry, often in a sudden or uncontrollable way.
Literal Meaning
To misplace or no longer have one's anger.
Literal Breakdown
loseto misplace or no longer have+one's temperone's anger or emotional state
◇ Mental Image
The phrase suggests that anger is something that can be physically lost or controlled, like an object, which is a metaphor for the emotional state.
◈ When to Use
A parent might say, 'I lost my temper when my child refused to listen,' to explain why they yelled at their child.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase is commonly used in English-speaking cultures to describe emotional outbursts, and it reflects the idea that anger is something that can be controlled or lost.
informal

To become suddenly and uncontrollably angry, often showing visible signs of frustration or rage.

The manager lost his temper during the meeting and started yelling at the team.

The manager became very angry during the meeting and started yelling at the team.

Children often lose their temper when they don't get what they want.

Children often become very angry when they don't get what they want.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to describe emotional outbursts, often in social or professional settings.

Collocations

lose one's temper overto become angry about something specificlose one's temper withto become angry at someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

keep one's temperidiom
to remain calm and not get angry
short temperphrase
a tendency to get angry quickly

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Context

This phrase is often used to describe someone's reaction to a frustrating situation, and it can be used to express disapproval or concern about someone's behavior.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While this phrase is useful for describing anger, overusing it can make your speech sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary when describing emotions.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the idea of losing control over one's emotions, as if one's temper (anger) is a separate entity that can be lost or controlled.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used to describe sudden, intense anger, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in informal speech.

Word Breakdown

lose
to misplace or no longer have control over
verb
+
one's temper
one's anger or emotional state
noun phrase
English Dictionary