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3. have a worm in (one's) tongue

have a worm in (one's) tongue

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have a worm in (one's) tongue

To be ornery, irritable, and prone to lashing out. Ever since my boyfriend lost his job, he's had a worm in his tongue and is not very pleasant to be around. Watch what you say around Uncle Ed—he has a worm in his tongue and gets angry at the slightest provocation.

See also: have, tongue, worm