throw a tantrum

Meaning

This expression means to have a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger, frustration, or childish behavior. While it typically describes toddlers crying and screaming, it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe adults who react cocooned or immaturely when they don't get their way.

Examples

• The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket because he couldn't have candy.

  The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket because he couldn't have candy.

• Instead of discussing the issue calmly, the manager threw a tantrum and walked out of the room.

  Instead of discussing the issue calmly, the manager threw a tantrum and walked out of the room.

• My little sister always throws a tantrum when it's time to go to bed.

  My little sister always throws a tantrum when it's time to go to bed.

• There's no need to throw a tantrum just because we have to reschedule our dinner plans.

  There's no need to throw a tantrum just because we have to reschedule our dinner plans.

• If he doesn't get his way, he acts like a child and throws a temper tantrum.

  If he doesn't get his way, he acts like a child and throws a temper tantrum.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The child made a tantrum.

  ✓ The child threw a tantrum.

  The verb collocation is 'throw a tantrum' (or sometimes 'have a tantrum'), never 'make'.

• ✗ He threw a tantrum about the decision.

  ✓ He threw a tantrum over the decision.

  While 'about' is sometimes heard, 'throw a tantrum over [something]' or 'because of [something]' is the more natural and standard collocation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Every time we go to the toy store, my son ___ if I don't buy him something.

  💡 Has a childish outburst of anger.

  Show answer

  throws a tantrum

• It's embarrassing when grown adults ___ over minor inconveniences.

  💡 Behave immaturely and angrily.

  Show answer

  throw a tantrum