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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Get bent out of shape

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To become very angry or upset.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I got bent out of shape when the booking disappeared from my account.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To become very angry or upset.
Show the answer

Get bent out of shape — To become very angry or upset.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Get bent out of shape” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

To become very angry or upset.

Compare: I got bent out of shape when the booking disappeared from my account.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it informally, especially in US English. Saying someone is bent out of shape can sound dismissive of their feelings, so use care.

More examples in context

  • He was getting bent out of shape over the last-minute changes.
  • She did not get bent out of shape; she calmly asked for an explanation.

Usage note

This idiom describes an emotional reaction, not a change in physical shape. The negative advice “Do not get bent out of shape” may sound unsympathetic.

A short conversation

A: I got bent out of shape when they changed my shift without asking.
B: That sounds frustrating. Have you spoken to the manager?
A: I will ask for a clear explanation.

One more practice question

How does someone feel when they get bent out of shape?

A. Very angry or upset.
B. Completely calm and unconcerned.

Check your answer

A. The idiom refers to a strong negative emotional reaction.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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