Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
spit-the-dummy
idiom
ˈspɪt ðə ˈdʌmi
Definition
To react in a very emotional or negative way to a situation, often by losing one’s temper or behaving childishly.
Examples
- When the team lost the game, he really spat the dummy and refused to talk to anyone.
- She spat the dummy because her friends made fun of her new hairstyle.
- It’s best not to spit the dummy over small issues at work; it can lead to more problems.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of becoming upset or throwing a tantrum, usually when things do not go as one hopes or expects.
Synonyms
- throw a tantrum
- lose one’s temper
- have a meltdown
