short fuse
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of short fuse
First recorded in 1965–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The author is a fan of this feminist hero but acknowledges that Rankin was a family tyrant with a short fuse.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025
“She said that he had trouble in his life, had anger management issues, a short fuse and for no valid reasons, he just gets angry,” he added.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024
Despite that short fuse, linebacker Josey Jewell said he appreciates Payton’s high standards.
From Washington Times • Oct. 23, 2023
There is no doubt that graphic illustration of a short fuse will see Nunez's temperament tested now, but this chastening evening will surely form the basis of a vital learning experience.
From BBC • Aug. 15, 2022
Finally the short fuse of his patience burned out.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
