ENGLISH
REFERENCE

boil over

idiom
Meaning

To reach the point where aggressive action is taken.


Examples
SIMPLE

Their long argument finally boiled over into a shouting match.

CONTEXTUAL

The tension between the two coworkers had been building for months before it finally boiled over during the staff meeting.

COMPLEX

After years of suppressed resentment and systemic neglect, the public frustration finally boiled over, leading to widespread protests across the city.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    boil up

    To become more excited, intense or exciting.

  2. 02

    go off the boil

    To lose interest; to pall.

  3. 03

    make someone's blood boil

    To cause a person to feel angry or very annoyed, especially in situation in which one cannot fully display that feeling to others.

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