bite (somebody's) head off
Meaning(s)
1. respond angrily or rudely to somebody
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
I was just trying to help, you don't need to bite my head off!
Analysis
When someone loses their temper and shouts at someone, they are said to be biting that person's head off, almost like an animal snapping at their face! This is usually used when such a reaction occurs without apparent reason or is seen as a disproportionate response to the circumstances. If you 'bite someone's head off', you are probably very angry with them or the situation in which you find yourself. Similar in meaning to 'snap at' someone. You can use this expression in any context, social or professional but it is used more often in informal contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Anne was clearly in a bad mood yesterday. I just asked her if she needed any help and she bit my head off!
- Sophie is working in the study. I wouldn't go in there unless you want her to bite your head off!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I tried to calmly explain the delay to the client but he was being so aggressive and unreasonable that in the end, I had to tell him to stop biting my head off!
- Sorry, I didn't mean to bite your head off, but I'm under a lot of pressure to get this article written before the deadline and could do without any distractions.