Hot under the collar
adjective
Getting angry or upset.
When she was accused of lying, she got hot under the collar
Often appears as...
- getting hot under the collar
- remain hot under the collar
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Being embarrassed or uncomfortable.
When his secret was exposed, he felt hot under the collar
Often appears as...
- feels hot under the collar
- looked hot under the collar
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Getting angry or upset.
When she was accused of lying, she got hot under the collar
Often appears as...
- getting hot under the collar
- remain hot under the collar
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
Being embarrassed or uncomfortable.
When his secret was exposed, he felt hot under the collar
Often appears as...
- feels hot under the collar
- looked hot under the collar
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Indicates strong emotional response, often anger or frustration, rather than mild irritation.
She got hot under the collar after being cut off in traffic.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Expression
Used in casual conversation. May not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Joe got hot under the collar during the casual debate at the lunch table.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Situations
Often used when describing situations where there's disagreement or argument.
The manager went hot under the collar when the employee talked back.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Indicates strong emotional response, often anger or frustration, rather than mild irritation.
She got hot under the collar after being cut off in traffic.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Expression
Used in casual conversation. May not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Joe got hot under the collar during the casual debate at the lunch table.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Situations
Often used when describing situations where there's disagreement or argument.
The manager went hot under the collar when the employee talked back.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Indicates strong emotional response, often anger or frustration, rather than mild irritation.
She got hot under the collar after being cut off in traffic.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Expression
Used in casual conversation. May not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Joe got hot under the collar during the casual debate at the lunch table.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Situations
Often used when describing situations where there's disagreement or argument.
The manager went hot under the collar when the employee talked back.
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