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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Throw a gasket

He knows that if he ever springs a leak or throws a gasket, his dad will be there with duct tape and chewing gum to patch him up ...

Hi,

Does "throws a gasket" in the above mean "misses/drops a gasket?" Thanks.
  

Top answer

A gasket is a thin pressure / liquid seal where 3 parts mate, especially in an engine. To throw a gasket has two meanings: Literal: the gasket fails, causing pressure and liquid loss. Idiomatic: To have a temper tantrum; to explode with anger.

— AlpheccaStars

  • A gasket is a thin pressure / liquid seal where 3 parts mate, especially in an engine.
  • To throw a gasket has two meanings: Literal: the gasket fails, causing pressure and liquid loss.
  • Idiomatic: To have a temper tantrum; to explode with anger.
  • Cheers, A- s
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3 Answers
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A gasket is a thin pressure / liquid seal where 3 parts mate, especially in an engine.
To throw a gasket has two meanings:

Literal: the gasket fails, causing pressure and liquid loss.
Idiomatic: To have a temper tantrum; to explode with anger.

Cheers,
A-
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Thanks, AlpheccaStars.

Got it!

By the way, is 'throw a gasket" equal to "pitch a fit?" Thanks.
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Yes, they do mean the same, but "throw a gasket" is often used for adult males, but "pitch a fit" is used more for kids. "to have / throw a hissy fit" is used for women.
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