IdiomDaily LifeEnglish

long fuse

Meaning: A personality trait of being slow to anger; patience before losing one's temper.

Example: “Our teacher has a long fuse, but when she finally snaps, watch out.”

Origin: The phrase pictures a fuse on an explosive device—a long fuse burns slowly before the charge ignites, metaphorically suggesting delayed anger.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • bow out To resign or withdraw from a situation while preserving one's dignity and reputation.
  • long shot Something unlikely to succeed or happen; a bet or venture with very poor odds.
  • land in someone's lap Something desirable comes to someone without effort or expectation on their part.
  • out of spoons Exhausted of energy or resources, usually mental or emotional.
  • thrash out To discuss and resolve a contentious issue thoroughly through frank dialogue.
  • play Cupid To act as a matchmaker by trying to bring two people together romantically.

More English idioms

  • long pork Human flesh, especially as food.
  • see with half an eye To perceive something obvious with very little effort or attention.
  • mugged by reality To experience a sudden, brutal confrontation with harsh truth after living in comfortable…
  • plow the sands To expend great effort on something completely futile or worthless.
  • loaded for bear Fully prepared and equipped, mentally and materially, to face a difficult challenge or co…
  • have someone's guts for garters To punish someone severely, especially with angry or violent reprimand.

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