My boss was fit to be tied when I arrived late again.
fit to be tied
idiomVery agitated or distressed; also, very angry; enraged, furious.
Origin
disputed originFrom fit (“proper, suitable; prepared, ready”, adjective) + to (infinitive-marking particle) + be (auxiliary passive-voice verb) + tied (“attached or fastened by string or the like; bound”, adjective), probably referring to someone being so agitated or angry that they need to be physically restrained to prevent harm to themselves and/or others.
When he discovered that his car had been scratched in the parking lot, he was fit to be tied.
Upon realizing that the crucial documents had been misplaced by his assistant, the manager was fit to be tied and demanded an immediate explanation.
- 01
canary fit
A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
- 02
fit for a king
Lavish; luxurious.
- 03
fit out
To provide a thing, a group, a person or oneself with requisites; to kit out.
- 04
fit the bill
To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.
- 05
fit to wake the dead
At a very high volume; extremely loudly.
- 06
have a fit
To experience an epileptic seizure.
- 07
have one's hands tied
To be powerless to act, to be thwarted.
- 08
throw a fit
To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.