Definitions

fly off the handle

VERB

flip out

Synonyms

WEAK

blow a gasket blow one's mind blow one's stack blow one's top crack up freak out go ape go ballistic go berserk go crazy go haywire go nuts go off the deep end hit the ceiling lose control of oneself lose it lose one's composure lose one's mind lose one's temper wig out

VERB

freak out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

go crazy lose it

WEAK

blow a gasket blow one's mind blow one's stack blow one's top break down come unglued crack up flip one's lid flip out go ape go ballistic go bananas go berserk go haywire go nuts go off the deep end hit the ceiling lose control of oneself lose one's composure lose one's cool lose one's mind lose one's temper wig out work oneself up

VERB

go crazy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

freak out go off lose it

WEAK

blow a gasket blow one's mind blow one's stack blow one's top crack up flip one's lid flip out go ballistic go bananas go batty go berserk go bonkers go buggy go cuckoo go daffy go haywire go kooky go loco go loony go mental go nuts go nutty go off one's rocker go off the deep end go off the wall go psycho go wacko go wacky lose control of oneself lose one's cool lose one's mind wig out

VERB

hit the ceiling

Synonyms

WEAK

blow a gasket flip out hit the roof lose one's cool lose one's temper wig out

VERB

rage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blow up boil over erupt rampage roar seethe tear

STRONG

bristle chafe fret fulminate fume overflow rant rave scold scream splutter steam storm surge yell

WEAK

be beside oneself be furious be uncontrollable blow a fuse blow one's top foam at the mouth go berserk have a fit have a tantrum let off steam look daggers make a fuss over rail at rant and rave snap at throw a fit work oneself into sweat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be calm

STRONG

be quiet compliment flatter praise

WEAK

be happy

VERB

snap

Synonyms

STRONGEST

flash roar yell

STRONG

bark flare growl grumble grunt retort snarl snort vent

WEAK

get angry jump down throat lash out take it out on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was estranged from many members of his family, with one saying he would "fly off the handle at anything".

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

“I fly off the handle and scream. The next day I can’t remember what made me mad.”

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2021

This digital monster that has taught the culture how to overreact and fly off the handle needs to be tamed.

From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2021

That doesn’t mean I don’t fly off the handle at times.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2021

“No problem,” said Robert warily, “though I’d appreciate it if you didn’t fly off the handle over every detail.”

From "The Number Devil" by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

fly off the handle

Example Sentences

Related Words