What does 'hot under the collar' mean?

TL;DR

The idiom describes anger or attraction.

Transcript

Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei. Rob: And I'm Rob. Phew, Feifei, is the air conditioning on? Feifei: Let me check. Looks like it's broken. Rob: Again? The company fixed it just this week. Feifei: Yeah. Rob: And that's three times this month! Feifei: I know... Rob: I honestly can't face calling the company one more time... Read More

Key Insights

• The idiom 'hot under the collar' has two meanings: it can describe someone who is angry or annoyed, or someone who feels attracted to another person.
• Rob becomes frustrated due to the recurring issue with the air conditioning, demonstrating the first meaning of the idiom.
• Feifei uses the idiom to describe her own feelings of attraction towards an engineer, showcasing the second meaning of the phrase.
• The conversation humorously reveals that Feifei has been deliberately breaking the air conditioning to see the engineer she finds attractive.
• The idiom is used in various contexts, such as when someone is upset about eaten chocolates or bad driving, or when feeling nervous around someone attractive.
• The English We Speak is a BBC Learning English program aimed at expanding vocabulary through idiomatic expressions.
• The program provides practical examples and scenarios to explain the usage of idioms in everyday conversation.
• Listeners are encouraged to visit the BBC Learning English website for more lessons and downloadable transcripts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does 'hot under the collar' mean in this context?

In the context of this program, 'hot under the collar' has two meanings. It can refer to someone becoming angry or annoyed, as demonstrated by Rob's frustration with the broken air conditioning. Alternatively, it can describe feelings of attraction or nervous excitement, as seen with Feifei's reaction to the engineer.

Q: Why does Rob get hot under the collar?

Rob becomes hot under the collar because he is frustrated with the air conditioning repeatedly breaking down. Despite having it fixed multiple times, it continues to malfunction, leading to his annoyance. This situation exemplifies the idiom's meaning of becoming angry or irritated.

Q: How does Feifei use the idiom differently?

Feifei uses the idiom 'hot under the collar' to describe her feelings of attraction towards an engineer. Unlike Rob, whose usage reflects anger, Feifei's use of the phrase highlights the idiom's secondary meaning, which involves feeling excited or nervous around someone attractive.

Q: What humorous twist does the conversation reveal?

The conversation humorously reveals that Feifei has been intentionally breaking the air conditioning to see the engineer she finds attractive. This twist adds a comedic element to the explanation of the idiom, as it shows Feifei's playful attempt to create opportunities to interact with the engineer.

Q: What examples are given to illustrate the idiom?

The program provides several examples to illustrate the idiom 'hot under the collar.' These include Nick getting angry when his chocolates were eaten, someone becoming frustrated with bad driving, and a person feeling nervous about another's haircut. These scenarios highlight both meanings of the idiom.

Q: What is the purpose of The English We Speak program?

The English We Speak is a BBC Learning English program designed to help listeners expand their vocabulary through idiomatic expressions. By using relatable and humorous scenarios, the program aims to teach idioms in a way that is engaging and easy to understand, enhancing language learning.

Q: Where can listeners find more resources related to the program?

Listeners can find more resources related to The English We Speak program on the BBC Learning English website. The site offers free downloadable transcripts, additional idiomatic lessons, and a variety of English language learning materials, providing comprehensive support for language learners.

Q: How does the program enhance understanding of idiomatic expressions?

The program enhances understanding of idiomatic expressions by providing clear explanations and practical examples within a conversational context. By illustrating idioms through everyday scenarios and adding humor, the program makes the meanings and uses of idioms more memorable and easier to grasp.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The idiom 'hot under the collar' is explained through a humorous dialogue between Feifei and Rob, illustrating its dual meanings. Rob's frustration with the broken air conditioning exemplifies the anger aspect, while Feifei's attraction to an engineer highlights the romantic connotation.

• The program, part of BBC Learning English, uses relatable scenarios to teach idiomatic expressions. Feifei's confession of deliberately breaking the air conditioning adds a comedic twist, offering a memorable way to understand the phrase.

• Listeners are directed to additional resources, including downloadable transcripts and more idiomatic lessons, available on the BBC Learning English website. The idiom is shown in different contexts, enhancing comprehension and practical application.