🐻 Cross as a Bear: And Other Growling Grumblings 🐻
Definition
Cross as a bear - Irascible, peevish, vexed, cantankerous. Due for a picnic basket, but finds an empty spot. Originating from the late 18th century, this ever-furious cliché roars loudly on both sides of the Atlantic. Though ‘cross’ may seem to be nearing extinction in American English, this idiom sure shows it has claws!
Related and Similar Terms
- Madder than a wet hen - Chickens may not look threatening, but a drenched feathered fiend? Watch out.
- Fit to be tied - So angry you’d need a leash — or maybe a straitjacket.
- Hot under the collar - So steamed, you’ve sprouted a personal microclimate.
- Grumpy as a troll - Static hair and all, under-bridge-dwellers never wake up happy.
Synonyms
- Irate
- Furious
- Enraged
- Infuriated
Antonyms
- Calm
- Composed
- Tranquil
- Serene
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right.” – Bear
- “Some people just need a high five. In the face. With a chair.” – Chairmageddon
- “Silence is golden. Unless you have kids, then silence is just suspicious.” – ParentBear
Proverbs and Inspirations
- “Even a bear in anger can teach patience.” - Proverb of the Grizzly Monks 🔥
- “The forest echoes louder when a bear is calm.” - Woodland Whispers 🌲
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books:
- “The Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A. A. Milne
- “Bear Feels Scared” by Karma Wilson
- Movies:
- Brother Bear (2003) – a tale of sibling fury and forgiveness.
- Paddington (2014) – even a mild-mannered bear can end up furious in a marmalade mix-up.
- Songs:
- “The Bear Necessities” from The Jungle Book – sometimes life teaches bears not to be cross, but you can’t teach a bear to be completely smooth.
- Poetry:
- “The Furious Bear” by Alfred Bellow’d-Huff – a poignant reflection on why some bears just can’t get along with pic-a-nic baskets.
Quizzes
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Cross as a bear
- [ ] Jumpy as a circus clown
- [ ] Calm as a solved Rubik's Cube
- [ ] Angry like a chef's souffle
> **Explanation:** "Cross as a bear" is a genuine idiom comparing someone's temper to that of a not-so-jolly bear. The others? Just silly masks at the animal idiom Costume Party 🥳!
### Which phrase depicts anger?
- [ ] Serene as a sunset
- [ ] Chill like a snowflake
- [ ] Content like a purring cat
- [x] Hot under the collar
> **Explanation:** "Hot under the collar" means fuming with rage, unlike the calm, serene, and content states of the other options.
### True or False: 'Madder than a wet hen' signifies extreme anger.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! Few things are scarier than a drenched, clucking, and super mad hen. feathers will fly!
### Which expression is equivalent to 'cross as a bear'?
- [x] Fit to be tied
- [ ] Quiet as a mouse
- [ ] Gentle as a lamb
- [ ] Happy as a clam
> **Explanation:** "Fit to be tied" echoes the high voltage temper tantrum of 'cross as a bear,' whereas the other options sound almost too peaceful.
🐾 Wishing you bear-no-feelings-you-regret moments and pic-a-nic pleasures. Embrace each emotional growl & make sure to laugh like a hyena. 🌟
📚 Swear with Humor Either! By G. Rizzly Grumbles, 2023
