short fuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “short fuse” mean?
A tendency to become angry very quickly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tendency to become angry very quickly.
Figuratively, a person or situation characterized by a quick, explosive reaction, often to minor provocation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally common and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations. Often associated with stereotypical masculine irascibility.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American media and colloquial speech, but well-established in both.
Grammar
How to Use “short fuse” in a Sentence
SUBJ + have + a + short fuseSUBJ + be + known for + POSS + short fuseSUBJ + has + a short fuse + when it comes to + NOUN/PHRASEVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short fuse” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's become rather short-fused since the promotion.
American English
- Her short-fused reaction took everyone by surprise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"His short fuse in meetings is undermining team morale."
Academic
Rare; more likely in psychology/sociology texts discussing personality traits.
Everyday
"Don't tease him about his cooking; he's got a real short fuse about it."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts except metaphorically in project management (risk of conflict).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short fuse”
- Using it as an adjective directly before a person (*He is short fuse). Correct: 'He has a short fuse.' or 'He is short-fused.' (less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal or colloquial. In formal writing, synonyms like 'irascible' or 'quick-tempered' are preferred.
Yes, absolutely. While historically associated with male temper, it is perfectly applicable to anyone regardless of gender.
Being 'even-tempered,' 'patient,' or 'calm.' You might say someone has 'a long fuse' as a direct opposite, though it's less common.
Yes, 'short-fused' is an accepted, though less frequent, adjectival form (e.g., 'a short-fused individual').
A tendency to become angry very quickly.
Short fuse: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈfjuːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt ˈfjuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow a fuse”
- “fly off the handle”
- “go off the deep end”
- “see red”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a literal firework fuse: a SHORT one burns quickly, leading to a sudden EXPLOSION (anger).
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS HEATED FLUID IN A CONTAINER / ANGER IS AN EXPLOSION. The 'fuse' is the trigger mechanism; short = quick to ignite.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if someone 'has a short fuse'?