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go off on one

C1 slang intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly start shouting or ranting in an angry or very excited way.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

To suddenly begin an angry, excited, or lengthy rant, often in an exaggerated or dramatic way.

"She went off on one when she found out the event had been cancelled without warning."

Usage notes

Distinctly British English slang. Often describes someone who overreacts or becomes disproportionately angry or passionate about something. Can be used with some affection or humour. The 'one' is an unstressed fixed part of the expression and cannot be replaced.

Commonly used with

teacher manager mum again completely about

Forms

Base
go off on one
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes off on one
he/she/it
Past simple
went off on one
yesterday
Past participle
gone off on one
have + pp
-ing form
going off on one
continuous

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Synonyms

rant blow up lose it go ballistic sound off mouth off

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