tempers fray

USAGE SUMMARY

"tempers fray" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where people become increasingly irritable or lose their patience. Example: "As the meeting dragged on, tempers frayed among the participants." Alternative expressions include "nerves wear thin" and "patience runs out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Tempers fray.

The New York Times

Did tempers fray in the close quarters?

The New York Times - Travel

It is not surprising that tempers fray, though most of those waiting are remarkably good-humoured.

The Guardian

Despite years of public order training, when tempers fray, police professionalism is sorely tested.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tempers fray, and a full-scale punch-up is narrowly avoided.

The Guardian - Sport

There are mounting concerns over the safety of climbers, too, as tempers fray in high-altitude bottlenecks.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Tempers frayed.

The Economist

Unsurprisingly, tempers frayed.

The Guardian - Film

Tempers frayed, too.

The New York Times

At the Thursday afternoon meeting, tempers frayed.

The New York Times

From time to time, tempers frayed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tempers fray" to vividly describe situations where stress or prolonged difficulty leads to increased irritability and a breakdown in patience among individuals. It's particularly effective in narratives and descriptive writing to convey tension.

Common error

Avoid using "tempers fray" to describe actual physical damage or wear. This phrase specifically refers to emotional or psychological strain, not to the deterioration of physical objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tempers fray" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for describing escalating irritability. Examples in the provided data show it used to depict tension in various contexts, such as political races or sports matches.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tempers fray" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that effectively describes situations where patience is wearing thin and irritability is on the rise. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to vividly illustrate emotional strain and escalating tension. When writing, ensure you use the phrase to describe psychological states rather than physical damage. Consider using alternatives like "patience wears thin" or "tensions rise" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tensions rise

Highlights the increasing stress and unease in a situation, suitable when describing an atmosphere of anticipation or conflict.

patience wears thin

Focuses on the diminishing level of patience rather than the active fraying of tempers, suggesting a quieter, more internal process.

nerves become strained

Highlights the increasing tension and pressure on individuals, emphasizing the psychological aspect of the situation.

irritation escalates

Specifically points to the growing level of annoyance and frustration, suitable when the emotional response is more overt.

tolerance diminishes

Emphasizes the reduction in the ability to accept or endure difficult situations, focusing on the waning capacity for understanding.

tolerance decreases

Similar to "tolerance diminishes", this phrase emphasizes the reduction in the ability to accept or endure difficult situations but uses a more straightforward term.

disagreements intensify

Shifts the focus to the disputes and conflicts that arise as a result of heightened emotions, making it suitable for situations involving arguments.

hostility increases

Indicates a rise in antagonistic behavior and animosity, suggesting a more aggressive and confrontational atmosphere.

relationships sour

Focuses on the negative impact on interpersonal connections, highlighting the deterioration of goodwill and affection.

patience is tested

Emphasizes the challenge to one's ability to remain calm and composed, often used when facing difficult or frustrating circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "tempers fray" in a sentence?

You can use "tempers fray" to describe situations where people become increasingly irritable or lose their patience due to stress, delays, or disagreements. For example: "As the negotiations dragged on, "tempers frayed" among the delegates".

What's a less common way to say "tempers fray"?

A less common, but still appropriate, way to express the idea of "tempers fray" is to say "patience wears thin" or "nerves become strained", both of which suggest a similar decline in tolerance and increase in tension.

What is the difference between "tempers fray" and "tensions rise"?

"Tempers fray" specifically refers to the loss of patience and increase in irritability among individuals. "Tensions rise", on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to increasing stress or unease in a situation, not necessarily involving personal irritability.

Is "tempers are frayed" correct?

While grammatically understandable, "tempers are frayed" is less common and less idiomatic than "tempers fray". The original phrase captures the ongoing process of patience wearing thin more effectively.