boil over

If a hot liquid does this, it bubbles up and spills out of its container.

• The milk boiled over.
• Turn down the heat before the soup boils over.
• Has the water boiled over again?

Similar words: overflow

Common phrases: boil over suddenly, boil over again

If anger or tension does this, it becomes strong enough to cause fighting or other aggressive actions.

• Their anger finally boiled over.
• Tensions boiled over into violence after the meeting.
• The dispute could boil over if nobody listens.

How to use it: boil over into something (The dispute boiled over into a street fight.)

Similar words: erupt, explode

Opposites: subside

Common phrases: boil over into violence, boil over suddenly

To become very angry and show it through shouting or aggressive behaviour.

• He boiled over with anger.
• She boiled over when they laughed at her.
• Our boss boiled over and shouted at everyone.

How to use it: boil over with anger/rage (He boiled over with rage when he saw the damage.); boil over at someone (She boiled over at the driver who blocked her gate.)

Similar words: lose your temper, explode

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: boil over with anger, boil over at someone

If a horse does this, it jumps and kicks violently, often throwing its rider off.

• The horse boiled over.
• The mare boiled over and threw her rider.
• His stallion boiled over as he tightened the reins.

Similar words: buck

Common phrases: boil over suddenly, boil over under someone