Hit the ceiling/roof

verb

To suddenly become very angry.

When mom finds out you broke her vase, she's going to hit the ceiling.
Visual representation of "hit the ceiling/roof" - To suddenly become very angry.

Often appears as...

  • he hit the ceiling
  • she's going to hit the roof

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To reach the highest or a critical point or level.

The price of oil hit the roof due to the crisis.
Visual representation of "hit the ceiling/roof" - To reach the highest or a critical point or level.

Often appears as...

  • prices hit the ceiling
  • rates hit the roof

Usage tips

Technical

verb

To suddenly become very angry.

When mom finds out you broke her vase, she's going to hit the ceiling.
Visual representation of "hit the ceiling/roof" - To suddenly become very angry.

Often appears as...

  • he hit the ceiling
  • she's going to hit the roof

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To reach the highest or a critical point or level.

The price of oil hit the roof due to the crisis.
Visual representation of "hit the ceiling/roof" - To reach the highest or a critical point or level.

Often appears as...

  • prices hit the ceiling
  • rates hit the roof

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "hit the ceiling/roof"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expressing Anger

Used to describe an extreme emotional reaction, often due to frustration or shock.

Illustration for Expressing Anger
Dad hit the ceiling when he saw the dent in his new car.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Speech

Not to be taken literally. Nobody is actually hitting any ceiling—it’s a metaphor for anger.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
I mistakenly sent the report to the wrong client, and my boss nearly hit the roof.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial

Used in casual conversation, not in formal writing or professional contexts.

Illustration for Colloquial
She’s going to hit the ceiling when she hears you've lost her keys.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expressing Anger

Used to describe an extreme emotional reaction, often due to frustration or shock.

Illustration for Expressing Anger
Dad hit the ceiling when he saw the dent in his new car.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Speech

Not to be taken literally. Nobody is actually hitting any ceiling—it’s a metaphor for anger.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
I mistakenly sent the report to the wrong client, and my boss nearly hit the roof.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial

Used in casual conversation, not in formal writing or professional contexts.

Illustration for Colloquial
She’s going to hit the ceiling when she hears you've lost her keys.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expressing Anger

Used to describe an extreme emotional reaction, often due to frustration or shock.

Illustration for Expressing Anger
Dad hit the ceiling when he saw the dent in his new car.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Speech

Not to be taken literally. Nobody is actually hitting any ceiling—it’s a metaphor for anger.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
I mistakenly sent the report to the wrong client, and my boss nearly hit the roof.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial

Used in casual conversation, not in formal writing or professional contexts.

Illustration for Colloquial
She’s going to hit the ceiling when she hears you've lost her keys.
Visual representation of the word "Hit the ceiling/roof"

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