PhrasesHub

Make one’s blood boil

    Definitions

      • anger or irritate someone
        Express frustration or anger caused by a particular situation or person

      • provoke a strong emotional reaction
        Describe something that causes intense emotional response, often negative

    Examples of Make one’s blood boil

    • The way she spoke about my child behind my back made my blood boil with anger.

      This idiom is used when someone's words or actions provoke intense feelings of anger within us. "Make one’s blood boil" is a figure of speech that conveys the idea that we become so angry that it feels like our blood is starting to simmer and bubble inside us, just as water does when it's being brought to a boil on the stove.

    • The news of the company's decision to lay off 500 employees made my blood boil with frustration and disappointment.

      This idiom is used when someone is deeply disappointed or frustrated over a decision, event or circumstance. It means that someone's temper rises to such an extent that their veins seem to bulge with rage, as though they could burst.

    • The constant delays in the construction of the school building made my blood boil with impatience.

      This idiom is used when someone's temper rises to such an extent that their veins seem to bulge with rage, as though they could burst, due to a lack of patience. It describes a feeling of intense irritation and annoyance, particularly when something is taking longer than anticipated or promised.

    • The sight of her stealing from the company made my blood boil with fury.

      This idiom is used when someone is filled with an intense, fiery rage or anger. It is commonly used in situations where a person's emotions take over as a result of an injustice, betrayal, or wrongdoing.

    • The loud and obnoxious behavior of the neighbor's kids in the apartment below is making my blood boil with anger.

      When someone's actions or behavior causes a strong feeling of anger or rage within us, we say that it makes our blood boil. In this example, the loud and disruptive behavior of the neighbor's children is causing the speaker to feel intense anger, which is represented by the phrase "making my blood boil."

    • The news of my promotion was met with jealousy and criticism from a few of my colleagues, which really made my blood boil.

      When we encounter jealousy, criticism, or unfair treatment from others, it can sometimes provoke strong feelings of anger or resentment within us. In this example, the speaker's promotion led to negative reactions from some of their coworkers, which then caused the speaker's blood to boil with anger and frustration.

    • The way the government is handling the pandemic is making my blood boil with frustration and disbelief.

      When we encounter events or situations that we find frustrating, confusing, or unbelievable, we sometimes express our feelings by saying that it's making our blood boil. In this example, the speaker is frustrated and disbelieving about the way their government is handling the pandemic, which is causing intense feelings of anger and frustration within them.

    • The unfair treatment of minorities in our society is making my blood boil with anger and disgust.

      When we encounter instances of prejudice, injustice, or unfairness toward marginalized groups, it can often provoke strong feelings of anger and disgust within us. In this example, the speaker's anger and disgust at the mistreatment of minorities is represented by the phrase "making my blood boil."


    Conclusion

    The idiom "make one’s blood boil" is used to express strong feelings of anger or irritation caused by a particular situation or person. It can also be used to describe something that provokes a strong emotional reaction, often negative. This idiom is commonly used in spoken English to vividly convey the intensity of one's emotions.

    Origin of "Make one’s blood boil"

    The origin of the idiom "make one’s blood boil" dates back to ancient beliefs about the human body and the effects of emotions. In ancient medicine, it was thought that the emotions were closely linked to the body's fluids, including blood. The idiom likely originated from the idea that intense emotions, such as anger, could cause the blood to heat up and boil metaphorically. Over time, this concept evolved into the idiom we use today to describe intense anger or emotional reactions.

    Examples of the idiom can be found in literature dating back centuries, showing that it has been a part of the English language for a long time. Its vivid imagery and strong emotional connotations have contributed to its enduring popularity in everyday speech.