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boil over

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boil over

[for a liquid] to overflow while being boiled. (See also boil over (with something).) The sauce boiled over and dripped onto the stove. Don't let the stew boil over!

See also: boil

boil over (with something)

Fig. [for someone] to erupt in great anger. The boss boiled over with anger. Things got out of hand and the crowd's passions boiled over.

See also: boil

boil over

to become uncontrollable Anger boiled over when the police ordered the protesters to leave.

Etymology: based on the idea of liquid in a pan being heated until it boils over the side of the pot

See also: boil

boil over

Erupt in anger, excitement, or other strong emotion. For example, The mere mention of a tax increase will make Kevin boil over. This phrase alludes to overflowing while boiling. [Second half of 1800s]

See also: boil

boil over

v.

1. To rise and flow over the sides of a container while boiling. Used of a liquid: I turned up the heat too high and the soup boiled over.

2. To erupt in violent anger: When I realized I had been robbed, I boiled over and started yelling.

See also: boil