canary fit

English

Etymology

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Noun

canary fit (plural canary fits)

1. (idiomatic, dated) A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
   • 1932, William Guy Carr, Hell's Angels of the Deep, page 136:

     The thousand odd officers and men on parade nearly threw a canary fit.

   • 1970, Gervas Huxley, Both Hands, page 25:

     When put out, she would declare that she'd been thrown 'into a canary fit'.