# snap someone's head off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/snap-someones-head-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To suddenly and sharply rebuke or insult a person, especially in response to a harmless remark.

## Examples

- Please do not snap my head off just for asking a question.
- I only asked if the report was finished, but my boss snapped my head off in front of everyone.
- Exhausted by the long hours and mounting pressure, the manager snapped my head off when I politely suggested a minor change to the schedule.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.