"Hot Under the Collar"
The idiom "hot under the collar" originates from the imagery of someone becoming physically heated, particularly around the neck, due to anger or agitation. The phrase is thought to have developed in the 19th century, when collars were often stiff and uncomfortable. A person’s face and neck might flush with heat during moments of intense emotion, especially anger, leading to the metaphorical expression "hot under the collar."
The phrase is an example of how clothing can be tied to emotional states in language. Collars, which were often starched and tight, would have been particularly uncomfortable during moments of stress or anger, making the metaphor even more relatable at the time.
"Hot under the collar" has been used in literature to convey a character's anger or frustration, often in a way that is both vivid and relatable. Here are a few examples of how the phrase has been used:
-Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876): Twain's characters often find themselves in situations where emotions run high. The phrase "hot under the collar" is perfectly suited to describe moments of youthful frustration and anger.
Dorothy L. Sayers' "Strong Poison" (1930): In this detective novel, Sayers uses the phrase to describe a character's rising anger during a heated courtroom exchange, emphasizing the tension and emotional intensity of the scene.
The phrase continues to be used in modern novels and short stories to describe characters who are visibly angry or upset. Its enduring usage highlights its effectiveness in conveying a universally understood emotional state.
The phrase "hot under the collar" has become a staple in everyday language, often used to describe not only anger but also embarrassment or flustered emotions. Its visual imagery makes it a powerful tool in both writing and speech.
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