lost their temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost their temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes very angry or frustrated, often unexpectedly. Example: "After hearing the unfair criticism, she lost her temper and shouted at her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Everyone has lost their temper, myself included.

The Guardian - Sport

"People just lost their temper and said things as a way of getting back".

The New York Times

Many lost the hope of living and killed their family, many lost their temper after losing money on the stock exchange but still some relations survived in the turbulent weather and these were the relations who were genuine and lifelong.

The New York Times

Respondents were asked to say how many times a day they lost their temper and to choose among modern-day triggers from a list so annoying it that would curl your hair.

The New York Times

Someone, however, clearly got fidgety towards the end of the concert: there was some sort of persistent rattling of jewellery or jangling of change going on behind me in the last couple of minutes, and I'm afraid one of my fellow Prommers lost their temper.

The Guardian

Inside the austere courtrooms where Balkan war crimes are tried, the judges have at times fallen asleep, lost their temper with witnesses and scolded lawyers, even reminding one from the United States that she was not on an American television show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The last time they fought, they both lost their tempers and began brawling.

The New York Times

They were more restless and more emotionally volatile, were frustrated more easily, and more easily lost their tempers.

The New York Times

Only minutes before Allen and Robinson lost their tempers, Cassell playfully hugged Iverson around the neck and smiled widely.

The New York Times - Sports

Golf rewards players who remain calm under pressure, never lose their temper and think strategically.

The Economist

They lose their temper then smash a hotel lamp and they think they're rebels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost their temper" when you want to describe a specific instance of someone becoming angry and losing control of their emotions. Ensure the context makes it clear why they became angry.

Common error

Avoid confusing "lost their temper" with "loose their temper". "Lost" indicates a past action of losing control, while "loose" means not tight. The correct phrase is "lost their temper."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost their temper" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of becoming angry and losing emotional control. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is acceptable and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost their temper" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone becoming angry and losing control of their emotions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a phrase widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in more informal settings. While alternatives like "lost their cool" or "flew into a rage" exist, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to communicate that someone's anger has led to a loss of control. Remember to avoid the common error of confusing "lost" with "loose" in this context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost their cool

Emphasizes maintaining composure under pressure, similar to controlling one's temper.

flew into a rage

Describes a sudden and intense outburst of anger.

became enraged

Highlights the escalation of anger to a state of fury.

lost control

Focuses on the general loss of self-restraint, which can include anger.

reached boiling point

Suggests anger has gradually built up to an explosive moment.

went ballistic

Implies an extreme and uncontrolled reaction, often with anger.

went into a frenzy

Describes a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior, possibly due to anger.

went off the deep end

Indicates a severe and irrational reaction, often stemming from emotional distress.

became irate

Describes a state of strong displeasure and anger.

bristled with anger

Illustrates visible signs of anger, like tension and agitation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "lost their temper"?

When someone "lost their temper", it means they became very angry and lost control of their emotions, often resulting in shouting or other displays of anger.

What can I say instead of "lost their temper"?

You can use alternatives like "lost their cool", "flew into a rage", or "became enraged" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lost their temper"?

Yes, "lost their temper" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is an idiomatic expression to describe someone becoming angry.

What's the difference between "lost their temper" and "losing their temper"?

"Lost their temper" refers to a completed action in the past, while "losing their temper" describes an action that is currently happening or is habitual. For example, "He lost his temper yesterday" versus "He is losing his temper now".