smoldering anger

USAGE SUMMARY

"smoldering anger" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a simmering annoyance, resentment, or rage that may be more controlled or restrained than an overt anger. For example, "After years of dealing with his oppressive boss, John couldn't hide his smoldering anger any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Viscerally smoldering anger, the signature quality of Murray's poetry, turns conventional pieties inside out.

The New York Times

He had a sense of smoldering anger that at any moment might flare into flame.

The New York Times - Magazine

The report described him as "a master of suppressed rage" who harbored a "smoldering anger".

The New York Times

But on the first day of classes Monday, when his teacher opened a discussion about the attack, the smoldering anger and distrust came through, even there.

The New York Times

But the speech offered no new formula to resolve the smoldering anger over the results of the 10th presidential election, on June 12.

The New York Times

He's discussed his maneuvering to have his dad's doctor get his driver's license revoked after a scary near-accident, and described his father's smoldering anger this spring when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts finally obliged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Smoldering with anger — and consumed by "self-loathing" for her Asian heritage — she scratched her Korean name, Kyong-ah, into her bedroom wall with a thumbtack.

The New York Times

But the description is also a little misleading: those large emotions -- and a smoldering political anger about Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, as well -- are refracted through a series of quick, mordant vignettes, some of which are like cinematic riddles and visual puns, delivered in elegant deadpan.

The New York Times

But as he rose from the chair his eyes smoldered with anger.

The New Yorker

Neda is already another name for the anger smoldering here, whose expression, in my experience, has been bravest, deepest and most vivid among women.

The New York Times

But residents, surrounded by the wreckage of burned-out cars, smashed schools and storefronts and breathing acrid smoke from smoldering fires, expressed anger at the government, now widely regarded as ineffective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smoldering anger" to depict a character or situation where the anger is not immediately obvious but is present and potentially explosive. It's more nuanced than 'outburst of anger'.

Common error

Avoid using "smoldering anger" when describing passive-aggressive behavior. "Smoldering anger" refers to an internal state, whereas passive aggression is a behavioral pattern of expressing negative feelings indirectly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smoldering anger" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It uses the adjective "smoldering" to modify the noun "anger", indicating a particular quality or state of anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smoldering anger" effectively describes a concealed or suppressed state of anger, distinct from openly expressed rage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, highlighting its utility in describing societal and personal tensions. Related phrases include "simmering rage" and "suppressed fury", each offering a slightly different emphasis on the intensity and manifestation of this concealed emotion. Understanding the contexts and nuances of "smoldering anger" allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simmering rage

Focuses on the slow build-up of intense anger.

suppressed fury

Highlights the act of holding back intense anger.

bottled-up resentment

Emphasizes the containment of negative feelings that include anger.

latent hostility

Suggests a hidden or not yet expressed anger.

unexpressed irritation

Focuses on a milder form of anger that remains unspoken.

seething animosity

Implies a strong dislike and anger brewing beneath the surface.

unvented spleen

An archaic term suggesting repressed anger or bad temper.

pent-up frustration

Highlights the built-up feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, leading to anger.

unleashed wrath

Indicates anger that is about to be released, rather than held back.

repressed indignation

Emphasizes a sense of injustice or unfairness that is held back.

FAQs

How is "smoldering anger" different from regular anger?

"Smoldering anger" implies a controlled or suppressed form of anger, often hidden beneath the surface, unlike regular anger, which may be openly expressed. It suggests a simmering, long-lasting resentment.

What are some signs of "smoldering anger"?

Signs may include subtle changes in behavior, increased irritability, passive-aggressive comments, or a general sense of unease around the person experiencing the anger. The anger is not directly expressed but is evident in other ways.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "smoldering anger" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a sense of restrained but intense anger that has the potential to erupt. It's effective for creating tension and foreshadowing conflict in narratives.

What can I say instead of "smoldering anger"?

You can use alternatives like "simmering rage", "suppressed fury", or "bottled-up resentment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.