Meaning & use
short fuse
A tendency to become angry very quickly and with little provocation.
See it in a sentence
Everyone at the office knew to avoid him on Mondays because of his short fuse.
Her short fuse got her into trouble during the tense negotiation.
A note on using this word
Usually used with "have," as in "have a short fuse," comparing a person's temper to an explosive that ignites quickly.
Words with a similar meaning
quick temperhot temper
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
patienceeven temper
Make it your own
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