have a worm in (one's) tongue

have a worm in (one's) tongue

To be ornery, irritable, and prone to lashing out. Ever since my boyfriend lost his job, he's had a worm in his tongue and is not very pleasant to be around. Watch what you say around Uncle Ed—he has a worm in his tongue and gets angry at the slightest provocation.
See also: have, tongue, worm
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • crusty
  • the rough side of (one's) tongue
  • the rough edge of (one's) tongue
  • the rough edge of your tongue
  • give (one) a tongue-lashing
  • give someone a tongue-lashing
  • lashing
  • (as) cross as a bear
  • cross as a bear
  • out of humor