lose your temper

Meaning

This expression means to suddenly become very angry and lose control of your emotions. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts when someone reacts with visible anger. The tone is neutral, describing an emotional reaction that is usually seen as negative.

Examples

• I'm sorry I lost my temper during the meeting yesterday.

  I'm sorry I lost my temper during the meeting yesterday.

• It takes a lot to make him lose his temper; he's usually very calm.

  It takes a lot to make him lose his temper; he's usually very calm.

• She tries hard not to lose her temper when her kids don't listen.

  She tries hard not to lose her temper when her kids don't listen.

• There's no need to lose your temper over a minor misunderstanding.

  There's no need to lose your temper over a minor misunderstanding.

• He lost his temper and slammed the door on his way out.

  He lost his temper and slammed the door on his way out.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He lost his angry when the car broke down.

  ✓ He lost his temper when the car broke down.

  The word 'angry' is an adjective, but the noun 'temper' is required to form this idiom correctly.

• ✗ Don't lose your temperature during the discussion.

  ✓ Don't lose your temper during the discussion.

  Learners often confuse 'temper' (mood or anger control) with 'temperature' (body heat or weather heat).

Related Expressions

Practice

• I try to count to ten so I don't ___ when I get frustrated.

  💡 Try to keep your calm.

  Show answer

  lose my temper

• Did he ___ because of the delayed flight?

  💡 Become suddenly angry.

  Show answer

  lose his temper