PhrasesHub

(Don't get) your knickers in a twist

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • calm someone down
        Encourage someone to relax and not become overly upset or stressed about a situation

    Examples of (Don't get) your knickers in a twist

    • Sarah kept telling me that I was wrong about the new marketing strategy, but I tried to remain calm and not let her get my knickers in a twist.

      This idiom is used when someone wants to prevent another person from becoming excessively angry or upset. "Getting your knickers in a twist" is a British slang for getting overly anxious or agitated. In this example, Sarah is frustrated with the speaker's opinion, but the speaker advises the reader to not let Sarah's opinions provoke anger or tension. By remaining calm, the reader avoids an unnecessary argument or misunderstanding.

    • "John seemed agitated when I mentioned going on a road trip without him. I wondered if I had said something wrong, but then he said, 'Just don't get your knickers in a twist!' I realized he wasn't upset with me, he just didn't like the idea of being left behind."

      The idiom "get your knickers in a twist" is used to mean becoming overly upset or angry about something that is not a serious issue. In this example, John's initial reaction to the suggestion of going on a road trip without him was exaggerated, causing the speaker to worry that they had done something wrong. However, when John used the idiom, it became clear that his reaction was just strong emotion in response to a small issue.

    • "I know you're worried about the upcoming presentation, but don't get your knickers in a twist. We've prepared well and I have faith in our team's abilities."

      Here, the idiom is used to encourage someone not to become excessively worried or anxious about a situation that can be handled with confidence. The speaker is trying to reassure the other person that they have put in enough preparation and effort to succeed, and further anxiety is unnecessary.

    • "When my friend suggested I take a different route to work, I initially became defensive and defensive. But then I remembered to not get my knickers in a twist and listened carefully to their reasoning."

      In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to describe a situation where they initially reacted defensively to a suggestion, but then tried to avoid overreacting and instead considered the other person's perspective. The idiom is used to highlight the importance of being open to new ideas and perspectives rather than becoming upset or angered by them.

    • "I can't believe how hot it was today. It felt like the temperature was rising higher by the minute. I was afraid I was going to melt! But then I remembered not to get my knickers in a twist and just enjoyed the summer breeze to cool me down."

      Unlike the previous examples, this usage of the idiom is humorous and less serious. The speaker is using the phrase to describe a minor issue that seems like a bigger problem at the time. By remembering to not get too worked up or anxious about such situations, the speaker is able to find a more relaxed and enjoyable way to cope.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "don't get your knickers in a twist" can be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It can also be used to encourage someone to relax and not become overly upset or stressed about a situation.

    Origin of "(Don't get) your knickers in a twist"

    The phrase "don't get your knickers in a twist" originated in British English and is often used in the UK. The term "knickers" refers to women's underpants, and "twist" refers to becoming tangled or complicated. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 20th century and is used to advise someone not to become overly agitated about a situation. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to bring attention to someone who is getting overly worked up about a minor issue.

    Examples of usage can be found in British literature and popular media, where the phrase is often used to dismiss someone's worrying or overreaction to a situation. Over time, the idiom has become more widely known and used outside of the UK, particularly in informal or casual settings.