PhrasesHub

Foam at the mouth

    Definitions

      • Extreme anger or agitation
        To describe someone who is extremely angry and is showing it through their behavior or speech, often with excessive or exaggerated expressions

      • Excessive enthusiasm or excitement
        To describe someone who is overly enthusiastic or excited about something, often to the point of being irrational or irrational

      • Lies or exaggerations
        To describe someone who is making false claims or exaggerating the truth, often in a desperate or frantic manner

    Examples of Foam at the mouth

    • The rabid dog foamed at the mouth as it lunged towards us, causing us to flee in terror.

      This idiom is used to describe an extreme and visceral reaction of intense fear, anger, or excitement. 'Rabid' refers to a disease that causes animals to become excessively aggressive, which is why the dog's actions are so intense. In this example, 'foaming at the mouth' is a sign of the dog's rabies and serves as a warning to others nearby.

    • I was so excited about the new job offer that I literally foamed at the mouth!

      In this example, the idiom is being used in a more figurative way to describe a strong and overwhelming emotion. 'Literally' is used here to emphasize the intensity of the speaker's excitement, but it's not necessarily meant to be taken literally.

    • After watching the horror movie, my friend foamed at the mouth as they recounted the most terrifying scenes.

      Similar to the first example, this one also depicts a strong emotional reaction, but this time it's not due to rabies. Instead, it's a result of extreme fear, which can temporarily cause someone to do things like foam at the mouth.

    • The politician's opponent spent the entire debate foaming at the mouth, making it impossible for anyone to hear a word they said.

      This example is challenging the idea that 'foaming at the mouth' is a positive or constructive reaction, instead portraying it as a negative and unhelpful response to a debate or argument. It could be interpreted as an indication of the person being too angry or aggressive to effectively communicate their point of view.

    • The sales manager's excitement was so intense during the pitch presentation that he started foaming at the mouth.

      This idiom is used to describe a person's extreme enthusiasm to the point of losing control of their emotions. When used figuratively, "foam at the mouth" implies an uncontrollable and exaggerated response, usually indicating excitement or ecstasy.

    • The fan's reaction to the singer's appearance was foam at the mouth.

      This idiom is used to describe a frenzied response in which a person becomes overly passionate, excited, or zealous. It implies that a person's response is excessive and uncontrolled.

    • The puppy got so excited when she saw the ball that she started foaming at the mouth.

      This idiom is used figuratively to describe a situation where an animal becomes overly enthusiastic. It is often used to describe the excitement of a puppy when it sees something it wants, like a ball. The idiom is a metaphorical way of describing an animal's overly enthusiastic response.

    • The victim's expression as the detective revealed the evidence was foam at the mouth.

      This idiom is used to describe a person's expression in a situation where they are surprised or overwhelmed. It implies that the person's excitement or shock is excessive and uncontrolled.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "foam at the mouth" is used to describe extreme emotions or behaviors, such as anger, excitement, or deceit. It is often used in a figurative sense, as foam does not actually come out of someone's mouth in these situations. Instead, it is a colorful and exaggerated way to convey the intensity of the emotion or behavior.

    In the first meaning, "foam at the mouth" is often used to describe someone who is extremely angry. The phrase can be used to emphasize the intensity of the emotion, as if the person is so angry that they are foaming at the mouth like an enraged animal. It can also be used to mock or criticize someone who is overreacting in a situation.

    In the second meaning, "foam at the mouth" is used to describe someone who is excessively enthusiastic or excited about something. This can be used in a positive or negative context, depending on the speaker's tone and intention. It can also be used to criticize someone for being overly enthusiastic or irrational in their excitement.

    In the third meaning, "foam at the mouth" is used to describe someone who is lying or exaggerating. This can be used to suggest that the person is desperate or frantic in their attempts to deceive or manipulate others. It can also be used sarcastically to mock someone who is making unbelievable or exaggerated claims.

    Origin of "Foam at the mouth"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that rabid dogs would foam at the mouth due to an excess of saliva. This behavior was seen as a sign of madness or aggression. Over time, the phrase evolved to be used in a figurative sense to describe extreme emotions or behaviors.

    Another possible origin of this idiom is from the Bible, specifically in the book of Psalms where it is written "The wicked man shall see it and be grieved; he shall gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish." This passage is often interpreted as describing someone who is full of anger and frustration, similar to someone foaming at the mouth.

    In conclusion, the idiom "foam at the mouth" is a colorful and exaggerated way to describe someone who is experiencing extreme emotions or behaving in an extreme manner. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it continues to be used in modern English to convey intense emotions or behaviors.