throw a fit

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

throw a fit (third-person singular simple present throws a fit, present participle throwing a fit, simple past threw a fit, past participle thrown a fit)

1. (idiomatic) To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.

   I'd love to stay later, but my mother will throw a fit if I'm not home by 10.

   He will throw a fit if his car breaks down.

   • 2003, Patterson Hood, Heathens:

     Something about the wrinkle in your forehead tells me there's a fit about to get thrown.

• have a fit
• pitch a fit