to get into a tizz
1
9.6
- phrasal verb
- UK
:
ponerse nervioso
- Don't get into a tizz over the small mistakes; focus on the bigger picture.
Examples
-
He tends to get into a tizz if he's not fully prepared for his presentations.
-
You know what happens when she gets into a tizz.
-
She always gets into a tizz when there are too many things on her to-do list.
Synonyms
430
6.8
To become very upset or afraid suddenly and lose control
11
9.2
React with strong fear or excitement and lose control
4
9.9
To become too upset about a small problem
3
7.7
Feel nervous and tense in stressful situations
2
9.9
To become very upset about a small problem
2
9.1
To become upset or worried about small things
1
8.6
Become very upset or excited and act confused suddenly
Get very upset and confused quickly
To become confused and upset over small things
To act nervously and make a small fuss
Antonyms
How Agitated
12
6.9
272
2.3
- UK
1
9.6
14
4.1
∞
1.3
98
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
get + into + a + tizz
The construction is compositionally regular: 'get into' means to enter or become in a state and 'a tizz' denotes a state of agitation; therefore a learner who knows both constituents can derive that it means to become agitated or flustered. Although 'tizz' is colloquial/British and lower-frequency, the grammatical pattern 'get into a + [state noun]' is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so the overall expression is predictable.
Etymology
Get into a tizz may come from the small word tizz, often called 'tizzy', which paints a picture of someone suddenly in a short, silly panic and feeling upset and worried. So to get into a tizz means 'to become very worried or upset', often about small things.