In a lather

idiomatic phrase

To be in a state of extreme nervousness or agitation.

She was in a lather waiting for her test results to come back.
Visual representation of "in a lather" - To be in a state of extreme nervousness or agitation.

Often appears as...

  • be in a lather
  • get into a lather

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiomatic phrase

To be in a state of heavy sweat due to strenuous activity or heat.

The horse was in a lather after the long race.
Visual representation of "in a lather" - To be in a state of heavy sweat due to strenuous activity or heat.

Often appears as...

  • horse in a lather
  • run into a lather

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiomatic phrase

To be in a state of extreme nervousness or agitation.

She was in a lather waiting for her test results to come back.
Visual representation of "in a lather" - To be in a state of extreme nervousness or agitation.

Often appears as...

  • be in a lather
  • get into a lather

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiomatic phrase

To be in a state of heavy sweat due to strenuous activity or heat.

The horse was in a lather after the long race.
Visual representation of "in a lather" - To be in a state of heavy sweat due to strenuous activity or heat.

Often appears as...

  • horse in a lather
  • run into a lather

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "in a lather"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

'In a lather' emphasizes a very high level of emotion, more than just being worried or nervous.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Minutes before his speech, he was in a lather, pacing back and forth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

The phrase often implies a negative situation where calmness would be preferable.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The entire team was in a lather over the lost files.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Usage

This idiom is informal, so use it mostly in casual conversation or creative writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
When he heard the sirens, he got into a lather, fearing the worst.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

'In a lather' emphasizes a very high level of emotion, more than just being worried or nervous.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Minutes before his speech, he was in a lather, pacing back and forth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

The phrase often implies a negative situation where calmness would be preferable.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The entire team was in a lather over the lost files.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Usage

This idiom is informal, so use it mostly in casual conversation or creative writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
When he heard the sirens, he got into a lather, fearing the worst.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

'In a lather' emphasizes a very high level of emotion, more than just being worried or nervous.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Minutes before his speech, he was in a lather, pacing back and forth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

The phrase often implies a negative situation where calmness would be preferable.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The entire team was in a lather over the lost files.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Usage

This idiom is informal, so use it mostly in casual conversation or creative writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
When he heard the sirens, he got into a lather, fearing the worst.
Visual representation of the word "In a lather"

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