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

When I reached Arnaud, 75, she’d already renewed her license, but she was still in a lather.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 25, 2023

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

Seems as if NBC boss Mark Lazarus has a number of NHL players and fans in a lather over his observations regarding playoff grooming.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 13, 2015

Ser Wendel Manderly was all in a lather to know what was happening.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• obsessive