hit the ceiling

Cultural  

1. To become extremely angry: “When Corey found out someone had stolen his CD player, he really hit the ceiling.”

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hit the ceiling Idioms  

1. Also, hit the roof. Explode in anger, as in Jane hit the ceiling when she saw her grades, or Dad hit the roof when he didn't get his usual bonus. The first expression dates from the early 1900s; the second is a version of a 16th-century locution, up in the house roof or house-top, meaning “enraged.”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hit the ceiling

Miller reportedly hit the ceiling, furious that arrests aren't widespread and indiscriminate.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2025

“Within an instant, they hit the ceiling of the cabin and dropped right back onto the floor.”

From New York Times ● May 22, 2024

Once, as he was boiling eggs, they exploded and hit the ceiling.

From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2024

After the fire hit the ceiling, I don't think it was ok.

From Reuters ● Dec. 30, 2022

Frank almost hit the ceiling when Hazel put a hand on his arm.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan