phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Used in anger

Posted by Victoria S Dennis on August 28, 2007

In Reply to: Used in anger posted by Randall B. Smith on August 28, 2007

: What is the origin of the phrase "to use in anger," meaning "to use in earnest?" I've looked all over the web, and though I can find many instances of this phrase's being used for this meaning, I can't find anything about it's origin!

The original use was in phrases such as "a shot fired in anger", i.e. with real intent to kill. (VSD)

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.