ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get one's shirt out

idiom
Meaning

To become angry or annoyed; to lose one's temper.


Origin

disputed origin

From the custom of taking one's shirt off before fighting (after becoming annoyed).

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't get your shirt out over such a small mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

He tends to get his shirt out whenever someone criticizes his work during the meeting.

COMPLEX

The manager warned the team that he would get his shirt out if they failed to meet the deadline for the third time this month.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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