Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Fly off the handle

Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Fly off the handle

1. A. To escape quietly
2. B. To disappear quickly
3. C. To become suddenly angry (Correct answer)
4. D. To handle a situation smartly

Correct Answer

Option C — To become suddenly angry

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is To become suddenly angry.

Key Points

• Fly off the handle means to lose one's temper abruptly, usually out of proportion to the provocation.
• The image is literal in origin: an axe head flying off its loose wooden handle mid-swing — sudden, uncontrolled and dangerous.
• The distractors are built from the surface words: "fly" suggesting escape or disappearance, and "handle" suggesting managing a situation. Idioms cannot be read word by word, which is exactly the trap.
• Related idioms of anger: hit the roof, blow a fuse, see red, lose one's cool, go ballistic.

Additional Information

• Idioms are tested for figurative meaning only; the literal words are the distraction, and options built from them are almost always wrong.
• Anger idioms: fly off the handle, hit the roof, blow a fuse, see red, lose one's cool, go ballistic, have a short fuse.
• Calm idioms often paired with them: keep one's cool, bite one's tongue, hold one's peace, count to ten.