go off the handle

go off the handle

To become uncontrollably angry; to lose control of one's temper. It's a shame the candidate allowed himself to go off the handle like that during the debate, as it undermines a lot of the really solid arguments he'd been making up to that point. I know you're upset, but there's no point going off the handle like that. It was just an honest mistake.
See also: go, handle, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • fly off the handle
  • fly off the handle, to
  • fly into a temper
  • do (one's) block
  • fly into a rage
  • fly into a rage, temper, etc.
  • temper
  • rage uncontrollably
  • go apeshit
  • apeshit
References in periodicals archive
Even though none of the questions in the posttreatment survey mentioned anger, significant others reported a lessened tendency for the patient to "go off the handle" and faster recovery from anger.
Pain, anger, and compassion meditation
"She was calling and texting him constantly - if he didn't respond she would go off the handle. So he just stopped responding," the insider added.
Robert Pattinson 'Totally Embarrassed' by Underwear Modelling Pictures
Keane said: "As a manager I cannot go off the handle like I did as a player.
Football: JOY KEANE; SUNDERLAND SHOCK: Roy's in and smiling! He vows to stay cool.. then warns players: Give me 100% or get out
Now the two are all buddy-buddy, with Keane declaring at his Press conference that he realised he had to be more subtle and that "he knew he couldn't go off the handle" like he used to when he was playing.
I think I've sussed why men love Roy
I'm aware as a manager I cannot go off the handle as much but if something is not right I will look to nail it - just with a bit more subtlety.
They Said"
I'm aware as a manager I cannot go off the handle as much as I did but if I feel something is not right and it is affecting the football club I will look to nail it - just with a bit more subtlety - Roy Keane on how his approach to management will differ - subtly - from his methods as a player.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"When I was young, I thought there was no reason for Lear to go off the handle," Walker remembers.
Sydney Walker: just ask Shakespeare
"I didn't go off the handle with Kinsale Hall, I was quite polite, but I am quite cross about it now.
Our wedding plan was ruined... now refund's bounced; Hotel in shock closure slammed for unpaid debt to bride-to-be