be spitting feathers

be spitting feathers

1. slang To be thirsty. Come on, man, I'm spitting feathers here—can't we stop for a drink?
2. To be strongly expressing one's anger, typically verbally. Unless you want to get yelled at, stay away from the boss today—he's spitting feathers over that printing mishap.
See also: feather, spit
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be spitting feathers

If someone is spitting feathers, they are very angry. Trainer Neville Callaghan was spitting feathers over the incident.
See also: feather, spit
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • spit feathers
  • spit blood
  • spit blood/venom/feathers
  • spit nails
  • be breathing fire
  • breathe fire
  • fingertip
  • at (one's) fingertips
  • at fingertips
  • at one's fingertips
References in periodicals archive
IN a piece about setting records, earlier this week, I said Kim Kardashian, the queen of selfpromotion, would be spitting feathers after an American chap set a Guinness World Record by taking 204 selfies with different people in three minutes.
Jenny Kershaw of Golcar wondered if I had got the expression wrong: "Why should Kim Kardashian be spitting feathers? I was always lead to believe that spitting feathers meant that your mouth was as dry as a birdcage bottom and you desperately needed a drink.
Expressing your age - without knowing it!
She'll be spitting feathers when she spots her faux pas.
Is Victoria sprouting angel wings? ..No, she's just got a hairy back
You'll be spitting feathers if you are not the lucky winner of this fantastic Sony 32ins widescreen TV and DVD player.
CINEMA: SIMPLY THE WEST; Win a Sony 32ins widescreen TV and enjoy the hit series, The West Wing