boil over
boil over
1. Literally, of a liquid, to boil so vigorously that it flows out of its container. If you put too much water in the pot, it might boil over.
2. By extension, to become extremely intense or out of control, especially after a period of escalation. Usually said of emotions. Things had been tense between my aunts for months, and those feelings finally boiled over in a yelling match on our family vacation. This protest is in danger of reaching a point where it boils over into a violent confrontation.
See also: boil, over
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
boil over (with something)
Fig. [for someone] to erupt in great anger. The boss boiled over with anger. Things got out of hand and the crowd's passions boiled over.
See also: boil, over
boil over
[for a liquid] to overflow while being boiled. (See also boil over (with something).) The sauce boiled over and dripped onto the stove. Don't let the stew boil over!
See also: boil, over
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
boil over
Erupt in anger, excitement, or other strong emotion. For example, The mere mention of a tax increase will make Kevin boil over. This phrase alludes to overflowing while boiling. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: boil, over
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
boil over
v.
1. To rise and flow over the sides of a container while boiling. Used of a liquid: I turned up the heat too high and the soup boiled over.
2. To erupt in violent anger: When I realized I had been robbed, I boiled over and started yelling.
See also: boil, over
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- bubble over
- on the boil
- boil (something) away
- boil away
- boiled
- boiling
- bring (someone or something) to a boil
- bring to a boil
- boil out of
- boil (something) out of (something)