hitting the roof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hitting the roof" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone becoming very angry or upset about something. Example: "When he found out that his project had been canceled, he was hitting the roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

By late 2014, her stress levels were hitting the roof again, but for a different reason.

The Guardian - Books

If Verizon Wireless has spectrum to sell, the F.C.C. seems to be asking, how could it be hitting the roof?

The New York Times

He lost control of the sled as it shot toward the roof of the curve and, instead of hitting the roof, his right hand came onto the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

The man's eyes were above the level of the passenger bar, and he had to keep his head bent to avoid hitting the roof.

The New York Times

When turning to the 20th-century scene around 1995, Ms. Autegarden told me, she took a long look at French Art Deco, where prices are hitting the roof, and at Danish design, which she found too cold.

The New York Times - Arts

Normally, I like rain — the sound of drops hitting the roof, drinking hot tea cuddled up on the couch, the fresh wet smell it brings – but being outside, soaking wet for hours on end is not fun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Of Cairo, where Serge "can see the sun hitting the roofs of Heliopolis, the slopes of Mokatem, the City of the Dead running to Matary".

The New York Times - Books

He hit the roof.

The New Yorker

Alexis hit the roof.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hyperbole hit the roof.

The Guardian - Film

Beyers hits the roof.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hitting the roof" to vividly describe someone's intense anger or frustration, especially in informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "becoming extremely angry".

Common error

Avoid using "hitting the roof" for mild annoyance. It conveys a high degree of anger; using it inappropriately can exaggerate the situation and sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "hitting the roof" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of intense anger or emotional upset. This phrase dramatically illustrates the extent of someone's fury or frustration, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hitting the roof" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anger or frustration. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and primarily appears in news and media sources. While effective in conveying intense emotion, it is best suited for informal contexts. For formal writing, alternatives like "becoming extremely angry" are more appropriate. Remember to use this idiom when you want to express that someone is beyond just being upset—they are absolutely furious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blowing a fuse

Focuses on the sudden loss of temper, likening it to a mechanical failure.

going ballistic

Suggests a wild, uncontrolled outburst of anger, similar to a missile trajectory.

losing one's temper

A more general expression for becoming angry, lacking the intensity of "hitting the roof".

seeing red

Emphasizes the intense anger and potential loss of control.

flipping out

Implies a sudden and extreme emotional reaction, often associated with stress or anger.

going crazy

A broader term indicating loss of control, not exclusively anger-related.

flying off the handle

Conveys a sudden and uncontrolled burst of anger or frustration.

losing it

A more casual term for losing emotional control, which can encompass anger.

exploding with anger

Highlights the sudden and forceful expression of anger.

being furious

A state of intense anger without necessarily implying an outward display.

FAQs

What does "hitting the roof" mean?

The idiom "hitting the roof" means to become extremely angry or upset about something. It suggests a strong, often sudden, outburst of emotion.

How can I use "hitting the roof" in a sentence?

You can say, "When he found out about the mistake, he was "hitting the roof"" to show he was very angry.

What can I say instead of "hitting the roof"?

You can use alternatives like "blowing a fuse", "going ballistic", or "losing one's temper" depending on the context.

Is "hitting the roof" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "hitting the roof" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "becoming extremely angry" or "expressing intense displeasure".