in a lather

Idioms  

1. Also, in a state. Agitated and anxious, as in Don't get yourself in a lather over this, or She was in a state over the flight cancellation. The first term alludes to the frothy sweat of a horse, the second to an upset state of mind. [Early 1800s] For a synonym, see in a stew.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in a lather

But the experience left him in a lather, and feeling sorry for DMV employees manning the daily conveyor belt of human misery.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2024

Such shows deliver heightened versions of actual events; the experts predictably get in a lather over it.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 14, 2020

If high-stakes espionage doesn’t have you in a lather, then consider “The Last Class: A Jazzercize Play” at Chez Bushwick.

From New York Times ● Jan. 2, 2017

The British duo bully their way to advantage, and with the crowd in a lather, Andy pounces on the Groth serve, and Jamie puts away the winner at the net!

From The Guardian ● Sep. 19, 2015

And, in a lather of irritation, we were both home before we knew it.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• obsessive