avere un diavolo per capello
/aˈve.re un djaˈvo.lo per kaˈpɛl.lo/To be extremely angry or furious; to be in a rage
Era così arrabbiato che aveva un diavolo per capello!
He was so angry that he was absolutely furious!
Non toccare quel tasto, altrimenti avrà un diavolo per capello.
Don't touch that subject, or he'll be furious.
This idiom emphasizes intense anger, often with a sense of uncontrollable rage.
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💡Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this idiom when describing someone's intense anger, especially in informal or conversational settings.
⚡Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Do not use this phrase literally; it is strictly an idiom for extreme anger.
📖Word Origin
The phrase likely originates from the idea of having a devil on one's head, symbolizing extreme anger or possession by a malevolent force.
📝Usage Notes
This is a colloquial expression used in informal contexts to describe someone who is extremely angry. It is more dramatic than simply saying 'essere arrabbiato.'