pop cork

pop (one's) cork

1. slang To have a nervous breakdown; to become mentally or emotionally unstable; to lose one's mind. His bizarre decision to sell off all his stakes in the firm he helped create have many wondering if he hasn't popped his cork. I think the poor woman popped her cork after the death of her children.
2. slang To become or cause one to become infuriated. It isn't so much what he says that pops my cork—it's the smug, condescending way he says it. Hearing them make fun of the poor child's disability really popped my cork, and I flew into a rage that I think scared the living daylights out of them.
3. vulgar slang To experience an orgasm. Said especially of a man.
See also: cork, pop
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pop one's cork

 
1. Fig. to suddenly become mentally disturbed; to go crazy. I was so upset that I nearly popped my cork. They put him away because he popped his cork.
2. Fig. to become very angry. My mother popped her cork when she heard about my low grades. Calm down! Don't pop your cork.
See also: cork, pop
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pop (one's) cork
  • pop one’s cork
  • a basket case
  • basket case
  • shut down emotionally
  • drive (one) mad
  • drive (someone) mad
  • damaged
  • go crazy
  • (one's) nerves are shot
References in periodicals archive
They were one of the first places in Newcastle to pop corks on bottomless prosecco afternoon teas but now No.28 have upped the ante with their new Boozy Afternoon Tea.
It's that time of year again to pop corks, celebrate and suffer the consequences the next morning.
It's the time of year again to pop corks, celebrate and suffer the consequences the next morning.
Twenty bucks gets you a glass, wristband, and map of the more than 20 wine bars, coffeehouses, clothing boutiques, art galleries--even an attorney's office--that open their doors and pop corks for the public along the Riverwalk District.