boil-over

[boil-oh-ver]

noun

Australian and New Zealand Slang.

1. an unexpected result.

boil over

verb

1. to overflow or cause to overflow while boiling

2. (intr) to burst out in anger or excitement

   she boiled over at the mention of his name

Word History and Origins

Origin of boil over¹

Noun use of verb phrase boil over

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

What starts as a nostalgic reconnection over drinks between two men who once chased the same dream quickly curdles, as Timothy’s long-simmering resentment boils over, erupting in bitterness and violence.

From Los Angeles Times

By the end of the week, things had boiled over into violence.

From BBC

This year, the rivalry boiled over into physical clashes.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a bitter battle for audience control that’s boiling over in ways that could spell political trouble for the GOP.

From Salon

Tensions boiled over between NHS England and the union on Monday, with health leaders criticising the "hardline" approach of the BMA for blocking requests to let doctors return to work to deal with emergencies.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggravate 
• annoy 
• antagonize 
• arouse 
• displease 
• embitter 
• enrage 
• exacerbate 
• exasperate 
• excite 
• incense 
• inflame 
• infuriate 
• irritate 
• offend 
• outrage 
• provoke 
• rankle 
• rile