hot under the collar

Idioms  

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]

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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.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

“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.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2023

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.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2022

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

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2022

People who flush easily become even more agitated when they feel themselves getting hot under the collar, and they quickly lose to their opponents.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank