hɪt ðə ruːf
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To strike or reach the ceiling/roof
What does "hit the roof" mean?
- To become extremely angry
- To react with sudden fury
Examples
- Dad hit the roof when he saw the dent in his car.
- She'll hit the roof if she finds out what happened.
- My boss hit the roof about the missed deadline.
Origin
Similar to 'go through the roof' but specifically about anger. The image of someone jumping so high in rage that they hit the ceiling.
How to use it
Describes sudden, intense anger. Often used to warn about someone's potential reaction.
Similar expressions
blow up
lose one's temper
go ballistic
explode
Opposites
stay calm
keep cool
remain composed
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
Use it in a practice answer
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