Hit the roof
Meaning
To become extremely angry, frustrated, or furious.
Origin
The phrase "hit the roof" vividly captures the explosive nature of extreme anger. Emerging in the early 20th century, particularly within American English, it conjures the image of a person literally jumping or erupting with such intense rage that they metaphorically strike the ceiling or roof of a building. This powerful visual metaphor suggests an emotional outburst so overwhelming that it cannot be contained, making the person appear to physically burst upwards, their fury reaching an apex like an uncontrolled explosion.
Examples
- When he saw the damage to his new car, he was ready to hit the roof.
- The boss will definitely hit the roof if this report isn't on his desk by noon.