get one’s shirt out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get one's shirt out’ mean?
The idiom get one's shirt out means to become very angry or upset about something, often to the point of losing control.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lose one's shirt" means to suffer a significant financial loss or to lose all of one's money in a risky investment or endeavor.
The idiom "lose one's shirt" is commonly used in American English to describe a significant financial loss or complete financial ruin. It has been a part of everyday language for many years and is widely understood by native English speakers.
The idiom "keep one's pants on" means to remain calm, patient, or to refrain from becoming overly excited or impulsive in a given situation.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hit the roof" means to become very angry or furious about something.
In the realm of idiomatic expressions, the phrase “hit the roof” is a colloquial way to describe a sudden outburst or extreme anger. Its exact origins and historical usage are uncertain, but it has become a popular phrase in contemporary English.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" means to be extremely angry with someone and to be prepared to punish or harm them severely.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" is a colorful and vivid expression primarily used in British English. It indicates a strong desire to harm or punish someone. The phrase has a long history, dating back to as early as the 17th century.
The idiom "have a fit" means to become extremely angry, upset, or emotional about something.
The idiom "have a fit" is used to describe an extreme and exaggerated reaction to something, usually in a negative or angry way. It implies a sudden outburst of emotions or a strong physical response to a situation or event. The idiom is often used to express strong disapproval, frustration, or outrage.
The idiom "get one's panties in a wad" means to become excessively upset, angry, or agitated over a trivial or insignificant issue.
The idiom "get one's panties in a pretzel" means to become excessively upset, irritated, or overreact to a situation. It implies an exaggerated emotional response and is often used to describe someone who is easily angered or frustrated.
The idiom "get one's knickers in a twist" means to become excessively worried, upset, or agitated about something, often a trivial matter, and to overreact to it. It conveys the idea of becoming emotionally entangled or tangled up, like one's undergarments, in a situation or issue.
Deciphering the Origins
the idiom "get one's shirt out" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is often used in informal situations and conversations to express frustration, annoyance, or agitation. While the specific origins of the idiom are unclear, it is widely understood and used by native English speakers.
One related idiom is "lose one's shirt." This phrase is used to describe losing a significant amount of money or experiencing a financial setback. While "get one's shirt out" focuses on frustration or annoyance, "lose one's shirt" shifts the emphasis to financial loss or hardship.
Another related idiom is "get one's panties in a bunch." This phrase is used to describe someone becoming overly upset or agitated over a minor issue. It conveys a sense of irrational or exaggerated emotional reaction. Similarly, "get one's panties in a wad" and "get one's panties in a pretzel" convey the same meaning, emphasizing an individual's heightened emotional response to a relatively insignificant matter.
Lastly, "get one's knickers in a knot" is another related idiom. It is often used to describe someone becoming overly upset, worried, or anxious about a situation. Like the previous idioms, it highlights an individual's excessive emotional reaction to a particular event or circumstance.
In everyday conversations and informal settings, these idioms are frequently used to express various emotions and reactions. They provide colorful and expressive ways to describe frustration, annoyance, agitation, or irrational emotional responses.
It is important to note that these idioms are not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. They are more commonly found in spoken language, where they can effectively convey a sense of exasperation or irritation. While they may not be appropriate in all situations, they add nuance and flavor to casual conversations.
Whether someone has "got their shirt out," "lost their shirt," or has their "panties in a bunch, wad, or pretzel," these idioms offer a playful and expressive way to describe various emotional reactions. They allow individuals to communicate their frustrations or anxieties in a relatable and engaging manner.
The idiom "get one's shirt out" is just one example of the colorful and expressive language that is an integral part of American English. By incorporating idioms like "lose one's shirt," "get one's panties in a bunch," "get one's panties in a wad," "get one's panties in a pretzel," and "get one's knickers in a knot" into our everyday conversations, we add depth, emotion, and character to our communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *get one's shirt out* can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his job, John was really getting his shirt out, trying to find new opportunities.
- During the argument, Mary got her shirt out and started yelling at her friend.
- When the company went bankrupt, the shareholders were worried about getting their shirts out and losing all their investments.
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