canary fit
A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My boss threw a canary fit when I arrived late.”
“She threw a total canary fit after finding out her flight was cancelled at the last minute.”
“Upon discovering the unauthorized changes to his manuscript, the author threw a spectacular canary fit that left his editor stunned and silent.”
- 01
canary in a coal mine
Something whose sensitivity to adverse conditions makes it a useful early indicator of such conditions; something which warns of the coming of a greater danger or trouble by a deterioration in its health or welfare.
- 02
cat that ate the canary
A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.
- 03
fit for a king
Lavish; luxurious.
- 04
fit out
To provide a thing, a group, a person or oneself with requisites; to kit out.
- 05
fit the bill
To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.
- 06
fit to be tied
Very agitated or distressed; also, very angry; enraged, furious.
- 07
fit to wake the dead
At a very high volume; extremely loudly.
- 08
fits and starts
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
Last updated August 10, 2026