short fuse

American  

noun

1. a quick temper.

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

---

short fuse British  

noun

1. informal a quick temper

---

Etymology

Origin of short fuse

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

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

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.

From BBC

“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

Former Kraken defenseman Jeremy Lauzon played with an aggressive, short fuse that way, always on high alert and ready to instantly respond to the slightest provocation.

From Seattle Times

Despite that short fuse, linebacker Josey Jewell said he appreciates Payton’s high standards.

From Washington Times