péter un câble

Les enfants, ne petez pas un câble à cause du jeu, c’est juste un défi.
Kids, don't lose your cool over the game, it's just a challenge.
Il pète un câble quand il entend ce bruit.
He blows a fuse when he hears that noise.
Après la réunion, Marie a pété un câble en découvrant les erreurs.
After the meeting, Marie lost it when she discovered the mistakes.
Le conducteur a pété un câble après le bouchage du trafic.
The driver went postal after the traffic jam.
Quand le serveur a renversé mon café, j'ai pété un câble.
When the waiter spilled my coffee, I snapped.

Similar words

partir en vrille

perdre son sang‑froid

cracher

péter un plomb

s'emporter

devenir fou

Meanings

Usage

Use péter un câble for an explosive emotional reaction, not for a literal broken cable.

Common mistakes

Often taken literally, speakers may think it describes an actual cable breaking, which is incorrect.

Etymology

From the nautical world where a ship’s mooring cable would snap (‘péter’ meaning to burst), sending the vessel drifting; the verb péter also means to burst, giving the figurative sense of an emotional explosion.

FAQ

What does péter un câble mean?

It means to lose one's temper, to have an explosive outburst of anger.

When can I use péter un câble?

Use it when someone reacts with sudden, intense anger or loses self‑control.

Is péter un câble formal or informal?

It is informal, used in everyday conversation.

What is the origin of péter un câble?

It comes from the maritime world where a ship’s mooring cable would snap, causing the vessel to drift; the verb péter means to burst.

Are there synonyms for péter un câble?

Yes, such as perdre son sang‑froid, s'emporter, cracher, péter un plomb, partir en vrille, devenir fou.

What is the opposite of péter un câble?

Phrases like garder son calme or rester zen convey the opposite meaning.

Can péter un câble be used in the literal sense?

No, it is figurative; the literal idea of a cable breaking is not the intended meaning.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.

No comments yet. Be the first to add one.

Look up word or phrase...