THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A short fuse
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A tendency to become angry very quickly.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I have a short fuse when I am tired, so I try to pause before replying.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I have ________ when I am tired, so I try to pause before replying.
Show the answer
A short fuse — A tendency to become angry very quickly.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A short fuse” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A tendency to become angry very quickly.
Compare: I have a short fuse when I am tired, so I try to pause before replying.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally when describing someone who loses patience easily. It is critical, so avoid using it as a casual label in a tense conversation.
More examples in context
- The team leader’s short fuse made routine questions difficult to ask.
- He admitted that he had a short fuse and wanted to handle frustration better.
Usage note
The usual pattern is “have a short fuse.” It describes a quick temper, not the length of time someone stays angry.
A short conversation
A: Why did you leave the discussion for a few minutes?
B: I know I have a short fuse when I am stressed. I needed to calm down.
A: Taking a pause helped.
One more practice question
What does having a short fuse mean?
A. Getting angry easily and quickly.
B. Remaining calm in every frustrating situation.
Check your answer
A. The idiom describes a quick temper.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.