a cob on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cob on" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in British slang.
It is typically used to describe someone who is angry or annoyed about something. Example: "After hearing the news, he really had a cob on and refused to speak to anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If he pars the final three holes, or better, this will be one of the great battling rounds, a textbook example of how to go about one's business, as opposed to letting one's shoulders slump or getting a cob on.

The Guardian - Sport

(We're probably going to find out why Elizabeth I has such a cob on with the Tenth Doctor, too).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I got home around 9am, slightly the worse for wear, and [former wife] Lorraine had a cob on with me for being out all night.

The Guardian - Music

7th over: South Africa 20-0 (Smith 13, Petersen 7) Anderson is bowling beautifully, but it would seem Dame Fortune has a cob on with him for some rason.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't know which joker thought it'd be a funny idea to put Mary Parent on a seat, since seats have clearly been her sworn enemies since the day she was born, but she hasn't half got a cob on about it.

The Guardian - Film

So remember, gender politics are bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase: "Are you being served?" Get a cob on while you're waiting for a drink, flirt too hard with the lady in charge, and your local watering hole might well get a touch dry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So the other day, she reveled in the restored Wonder Wheel and the Steeplechase roller coaster in Coney Island's spruced-up amusement parks and chomped on a cob of corn from one of its legendary food stands.

The New York Times

His work Classified Cob, where each shrivelled kernel on a cob of sweetcorn has been numbered, makes an old vegetable seem quite marvellous.

The Guardian - Arts

But on my walk back, on 85th Street, I spotted a Hispanic couple pushing a stroller and munching on corn-on-the-cob-on-a-stick.

The New York Times

Unnatural Selection has a great bassline, which pummels the eardrums, while Undisclosed Desires sounds like Radiohead with a serious cob on.

The Guardian - Music

Again, a quote from a cob centre staffer on the frontline speaks volumes: "Most staff go in to work and they're thinking about it from moment one – who am I going to stop [ie sanction] this week?" Note also that job centre staff are now referring people to food banks, as are councils and housing associations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cob on" sparingly and primarily in informal contexts to maintain the impact of this idiomatic expression.

Common error

Avoid using "a cob on" in formal writing or professional communications; it's generally considered slang and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cob on" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a state of annoyance or anger. As Ludwig AI reports, it's primarily used in British English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Sport

29%

Film

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cob on" is a British English idiom used to describe someone who is annoyed or angry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct but best suited for informal contexts like conversations, news articles, or blog posts, as shown in examples from sources like The Guardian and Huffington Post. While it effectively conveys displeasure, avoid using it in formal writing. If you're looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "in a huff" or "irritated" to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a huff

Similar in meaning, suggesting a fit of bad temper or sulking.

In a snit

Implies a state of petulant annoyance or irritation.

In a bad mood

Focuses on the resulting emotional state rather than the specific cause of annoyance.

Annoyed

Similar to 'irritated', but carries a slightly stronger sense of displeasure.

Irritated

A more general term for being annoyed, lacking the idiomatic flavor.

Put out

Emphasizes the inconvenience or imposition causing the annoyance.

Cross

A simple and direct synonym for angry, common in British English.

Got one's back up

Suggests defensiveness and anger, often in response to a perceived threat.

Displeased

A more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

Taken amiss

Indicates that something has been perceived as offensive or insulting, leading to annoyance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a cob on" mean?

The phrase "a cob on" is a British English idiom that means to be in a bad mood, annoyed, or angry about something.

How can I use "a cob on" in a sentence?

You can use "a cob on" in a sentence like this: "After hearing the news, he really had "a cob on" and refused to speak to anyone."

What are some alternatives to saying "a cob on"?

You can use alternatives like "in a huff", "annoyed", or "irritated" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a cob on" in formal writing?

No, it is not generally appropriate to use "a cob on" in formal writing. It's considered slang and is best reserved for informal conversations or contexts.