10 English Expressions and Idioms about Anger

Here is the key English vocabulary from the conversation lesson, with an example of each word in context:

COMMON EXPRESSIONS AND IDIOMS ABOUT ANGER  

1. I’ve got a bone to pick with you!

E.g. Hey, Bill. I’ve got a bone to pick with you. I lent you 20€ last week and you still haven’t paid me back.  

2.  To  bite someone’s head off.

E.g.  Don’t bite my head off.  

3. To be up in arms about something.

E.g.  Local traders are up in arms over the effect of the new parking regulations on their businesses.  

4.  Go ballistic.

E.g.  It took almost an hour to get our food, and Dad  went ballistic when they brought him the wrong thing.  

5. Blow your top.

E.g.  Almost all parents blow their tops from time to time.  

WORDS FOR ANGRY  

1. Upset =  sad, angry

E.g. Mom was really upset that we didn’t call to tell we had arrived safely.  

2. Mad = crazy, angry

E.g. I get so mad at her when she lies to me.  

3. Cross

E.g. You ate all the cookies. Now I’m cross with you!  

4. Furious = very angry

E.g.  My girlfriend was furious with me when I forgot to pick her up from the airport.  

5. Livid =  extremely angry

E.g. The rude comment from his mother-in-law made him livid.