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be like a bear with a sore head

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be like a bear with a sore head

To be exceptionally irritable, annoyed, or grumpy. John is always like a bear with a sore head first thing in the morning—it's best not to even talk to him until he's had his coffee. Janet was like a bear with a sore head when she found out she had missed her connecting flight.

See also: bear, head, like, sore

be like a bear with a sore head

  (British & Australian humorous)

to be in a bad mood which causes you to treat other people badly and complain a lot If his newspaper doesn't arrive by breakfast time he's like a bear with a sore head.

See bring to bear, bear the brunt of

See also: bear, head, like, sore