Péter les plombs

Expression: Péter les plombs

Pronunciation: [pay tay lay plo(n)]

Meaning: to blow a fuse, hit the ceiling, flip one's lid, lose it (one's temper)

Literal translation: to blow the fuses

Register: informal

Notes: The French expression péter les plombs, or péter un plomb, is just like to blow a fuse in English. They are both used literally in reference to electrical fuses, and figuratively when talking about getting extremely angry and flying into a rage.

Synonym: péter une durite - "to blow a radiator hose"

Example:
   Quand je les ai vus ensemble, j'ai pété les plombs !
   When I saw them together, I lost it!

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