hot under the collar

1. Angry, as in She is quick to get hot under the collar, but once the problem is ironed out she forgets it entirely. This expression alludes to the heat of anger. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

“It’s difficult to look at it and not get very hot under the collar about it. That lack of transparency is what’s corrupt. It’s absolutely corrupt. That’s not too strong a word.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I never said a curse word or stood up or threatened anyone, but it was hot under the collar, and I regret that,” Dorph said.

Read more on Seattle Times

The Dodgers were a little hot under the collar through four innings against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, and it had nothing to do with the scorching 99-degree temperature at first pitch.

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Plus, I was pretty stubborn those days, and I was pretty hot under the collar if anyone tried to tell me to do something that didn't make sense.

Read more on Salon

Until companies can deliver E.V.s in waves, a whole lot of consumers may also be hot under the collar.

Read more on New York Times