Blow a fuse
/bləʊ ə fjuːz/informalUK · US
What does “Blow a fuse” mean?
Blow a fuse means to suddenly lose your temper
Someone who starts shouting after seeing a dent in their car has blown a fuse. The phrase focuses on the sudden reaction.
A person with “a short fuse” gets angry easily. That describes a tendency; “blew a fuse” describes a particular outburst.
When do people say it?
Use it for a sudden burst of anger, often over a mistake, a broken promise or bad news. It is stronger than mild irritation.
“Dad blew a fuse when he saw the dent in his car.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
An electrical fuse breaks when too much current passes through it. The idiom compares that sudden failure with losing control of your temper.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Blow a fuse” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01