The Expression, "Fly Off The Handle," And Some Inspired Advice

The expression, “Fly off the handle” is used when one quickly loses his temper. The original expression comes to us from the use of tools. After tools have set in the shed for months, the wooden handle becomes dry and shrinks.

When various tools such as an ax are used, the iron can easily fly off the handle because of the shrunken wood. When the blade of an ax flies off the handle, it is very dangerous to the user and everyone standing nearby (source).

Similarly, when one, “flies off the handle” (has a violent explosion of anger), it endangers everyone.

Dear reader, let us remember and heed the inspired wise man’s advice:

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

Let us therefore learn to control our temper (Proverbs 19:11; James 1:19 NLT).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets