Cliché: Going ballistic
Ever felt so angry you thought you might explode, or worse, launch like a rogue missile? “Going ballistic” is the term for you! Originating from the days when guided missiles sometimes went out of control, this slangy expression rocketed into our linguistic universe in the 1980s. By the time The New Republic used it on November 6, 1989—saying, “He would go ballistic over the idea of reopening the capital gains tax break for real estate”—it was well on its way to becoming a cliché missile.
Related Expressions & Similar Terms:
- Hot under the collar: Angrily flushed with heat as if about to combust.
- Losing one’s cool: When one’s calm demeanor takes an unplanned tropical vacation.
- Seeing red: So angry that your vision metaphorically matches a firetruck.
- Blow a fuse: Sudden rage like an electric overload—sparks may fly!
- Fly off the handle: Abruptly losing temper, akin to an unhinged axe head.
Proverbs and Quotes:
- “Anger is one letter short of danger.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Speak when you are angry—and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” – Laurence J. Peter
Literature, Books & Poetry:
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (Intervals of genius that often come wrapped in emotion)
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (A journey of misplaced anger and nonsense)
- Poetry like ”The Mad Gardener’s Song” by Lewis Carroll (For humorous takes on irrational emotions)
Movies & Songs:
- Movies: Anger Management (2003), starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson
- Songs: “Anger Management” by Sean Paul (To learn about handling hot-head moments in rhythm)
Thank you for exploring the explosive intricacies of worldly anger with us. Remember, when emotions make you feel like a rogue missile, it’s often best to count to ten, metaphorically disarm, and avoid becoming a human firecracker.
That’s all for now, rocket-readers! 🚀
Warm regards, F. U. Rious
