Where did the expression fly off the handle come from?
“Fly off the Handle” is an American phrase that alludes to the way that an axe head can fly off its handle if it becomes loose. The expression was first seen in print in 1834, in Thomas C. Haliburton's The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England: “He flies right off the handle for nothing.” Go beyond correction.
Why do we fly off the handle?
Fly off the handle is an American phrase that comes from the way an axe-head which has come loose will fly off of its handle in an unpredictable manner and strike any innocent person or object in its way.
What does handle mean slang?
Slang. a person's name, especially the given name. a person's alias, nickname, or code name. a username, as on a social media website: What's your Twitter handle?
What is a sentence for fly off the handle?
To become suddenly enraged: “When Jack's father found out about the car, he really flew off the handle.”
Do I have anger problems?
Problems with expressing emotions in a calm and healthy way. Ignoring people or refusing to speak to them. Inward aggression that can lead to isolation or self-harm. Outward aggression including shouting, swearing, or being physically violent and threatening.
What does fly off the shelves mean?
to sell very quicklyto fly off the shelves: to sell very quickly, to be very popular. idiom. The new perfume flew off the shelves in less than two weeks! shelves are ledges used for holding items such as books, food, or items on display in shops.
Why is it called a handle?
Alcoholic beverages come in a 75 liter bottle known as a handle. As a result, it is called a 'handle of alcohol' because its large enough to have a handle. There are 1 handles of liquor on a bar. liters of liquor in a bottle. has 39 1, as well.
What's your IG handle?
An Instagram handle is your username on Instagram. It's unique to you — meaning no other account can have the same handle. It's easy to confuse an Instagram handle with your Instagram name.
What does it mean to get a handle?
informal. : to understand and be able to deal with (something) I can't quite get a handle on the way this machine works.
What does it mean to be off the rails?
Definition of go off the rails : to lose control and start to behave in a way that is not normal or acceptable He was a promising student but he went off the rails after he started taking drugs.
What does went off the deep end mean?
to yield to mental or emotional stress. After months of pressure at work, he went off the deep end.
What is the meaning of idiom pie in the sky?
: an unrealistic enterprise or prospect of prosperity.
What does "fly off the handle" mean?
fly off the handle, to. To lose one’s temper. The analogy here is to a loosened hammer head that comes off after it has struck a blow. The term is American in origin and dates from the early nineteenth century. “He flies right off the handle for nothing,” wrote Thomas Haliburton ( Sam Slick in England, 1843).
Why does Ruth fly off the handle?
Mother of all fights. Stress, lack of sleep, and work or personal worries can make you fly off the handle easily.
Origin of Fly Off the Handle
This expression first appeared in the 1800s, and the allusion is to that of an ax ( is it ax or axe?) flying off its handle. Imagine if you were cutting a tree with an ax, and the metal part of the ax suddenly flew off the handle. It would happen very quickly and be very dangerous.
Examples of Fly Off the Handle
In this example, two friends are quietly discussing news from their other friends when one of them suddenly becomes upset.
More Examples
This excerpt says that even one police officer, who is usually calm, is upset currently.
Summary
The phrase to fly off the handle means to become very upset and lose all control.
Words nearby off the handle
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use off the handle in a sentence
France 24 is providing live, round-the-clock coverage of both scenes as they progress.
fly off the handle
He's extremely irritable - he flies off the handle at the slightest thing.
fly off the handle
You have to be very careful because he flies off the handle very easily.
