pitch a fit
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I'd love to stay later, but my mother will pitch a fit if I'm not home by 10.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pitch a fit” mean?
To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.
Is “pitch a fit” formal or informal?
pitch a fit is generally slang.