Meaning & use
hair-trigger temper
Last updated
UK/ˌheə ˈtrɪɡə ˈtempə/
US/ˌher ˈtrɪɡər ˈtempər/
Meaning
nounsingular
A tendency to become angry very suddenly and with little warning.
Grammar: Used with 'a' or as an uncountable idea; usually singular.
Patterns
- have a hair-trigger temper
- with a hair-trigger temper
- his hair-trigger temper
He has a hair-trigger temper, so be careful what you say.
Her hair-trigger temper often got her into trouble at work.
The manager's hair-trigger temper made employees nervous.
Common combinations
- have a hair-trigger temper
- Many people in his family have a hair-trigger temper.
- a hair-trigger temper
- She is known for a hair-trigger temper.
- his hair-trigger temper
- His hair-trigger temper flared up again.
- with a hair-trigger temper
- He is a man with a hair-trigger temper.
Synonyms and how they differ
- short fuse
- Informal and means the same, but is often used in the phrase 'have a short fuse'.
- quick temper
- Similar, but less strong; it does not emphasize the suddenness as much.
- hot temper
- Focuses on being easily angered, but may not suggest the same immediate reaction.
Opposites
even tempercalmness
Word family
- hair-trigger adjective
- Reacting very quickly or suddenly, like a hair-trigger temper.
Practice
What does 'hair-trigger temper' mean?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is figurative: 'hair-trigger' suggests something that reacts with the slightest touch, so a hair-trigger temper means becoming angry very easily and suddenly.
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