boil-over

[boil-oh-ver]

noun

Australian and New Zealand Slang.

1. an unexpected result.

boil over

verb

1. to overflow or cause to overflow while boiling

2. (intr) to burst out in anger or excitement

   she boiled over at the mention of his name

Word History and Origins

Origin of boil-over¹

Noun use of verb phrase boil over

Idioms and Phrases

Erupt in anger, excitement, or other strong emotion. For example, The mere mention of a tax increase will make Kevin boil over. This phrase alludes to overflowing while boiling. [Second half of 1800s]

Related Words

• aggravate 
• annoy 
• antagonize 
• arouse 
• displease 
• embitter 
• enrage 
• exacerbate 
• exasperate 
• excite 
• incense 
• inflame 
• infuriate 
• irritate 
• offend 
• outrage 
• provoke 
• rankle 
• rile