don't get mad

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to ask or warn someone not to become angry about something.

   Grammar: Usually introduces bad news or a request: Don't get mad, but I broke your mug.

   Patterns

   • don't get mad at someone
   • don't get mad about something
   • don't get mad, but …

   Don't get mad, but I accidentally deleted the file.

   Don't get mad at me — I only repeated what she told me.

   Don't get mad about the traffic; we'll still arrive on time.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to tell someone to stay calm and not lose their temper during an argument or game.

   Grammar: Often a direct instruction in the middle of a disagreement: Don't get mad, just listen.

   Patterns

   • don't get mad at someone
   • don't get mad when …

   Don't get mad when I beat you at cards — it's only a game.

   He always says 'don't get mad' right after he's done something wrong.

Common combinations

don't get mad at someone

Don't get mad at your brother; it wasn't his fault.

don't get mad, but …

Don't get mad, but I'm going to be late again.

please don't get mad

Please don't get mad when you see the bill.

don't get mad about it

Try not to get mad about it; things like this happen.

Synonyms and how they differ

don't get angry

The same meaning and slightly more neutral in tone; safer in British English, where mad often means 'crazy' instead.

calm down

Tells someone to become calm, which suggests they are already upset; don't get mad tries to stop the anger before it starts.

don't lose your temper

More formal and a little stronger, suggesting a real explosion of anger.

Word family

mad adjective

Angry (mainly American), or mentally ill or crazy (mainly British).

madly adverb

In a wild or extremely eager way, as in madly in love.

madness noun

The state of being crazy, or behavior that seems crazy.

Commonly confused: don't get mad or don't be mad? don't get mad or don't get even?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “don't get mad”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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