short fuse

noun

1. a quick temper.

   A person with a short fuse has to be handled diplomatically.

short fuse

noun

1. informal,  a quick temper

Word History and Origins

Origin of short fuse¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Mr Jones also told the jury the defendant had "by his own admission, a historic short fuse", and on the day of the incident "had lost his temper, attacked Sophie and strangled her, causing her death".

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Maynes remembers Combs having a short fuse in the office, sometimes banging "his hands up against the desk" like a "bratty kid" and yelling if he did not get his way.

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Mr Jones told the jury the defendant had "by his own admission, a historic short fuse", and on the day of the incident "had lost his temper, attacked Sophie and strangled her, causing her death".

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Sentamu had a "short fuse" and on the day of the killing, he came to the end of it, jurors heard.

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West’s mother was a demanding perfectionist, and his father, although a gregarious, outgoing man, had a short fuse and was a firm believer in corporal punishment.

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