Bite Someone’s Head Off
When we see a tiger or other wild animal open its mouth and hear it roar, we may fear it will bite someone’s head off. When we open our mouths while angry, other people may expect us to bite their heads off.
To bite someone’s head off means to react in anger.
We have a bad day, so we take it out on the people around us. They may have no idea why we react as we do, since they did nothing to provoke us.
Other times, people may irritate us with what we consider inappropriate behavior.
Either way, we act or react with:
- Rage
- Force
- Impatience
A similar expression is to snap someone’s head off.
Both mean to scold or speak in a mean manner. If we are mad at the world, whoever comes our way suffers.
Our response to others matters.
Once we speak words, we can’t take them back. We can apologize, but the harm remains.
We all have bad days.
However, we decide whether we will do the best we can or make life miserable for everyone we encounter. Remember, we catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Will we spread:
- Health or harm?
- Love or hate?
- Encouragement or despair?
Let’s not allow bad days to control us. Rather, let’s bite our tongues and treat others as we want to be treated.
“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. (Psalm 64:3 NIV).
Thanks to Katherine Pasour for the suggestion. Photo by shravan khare on Pexels.
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8 thoughts on “Bite Someone’s Head Off”
Amen, Diana! May we all learn to hold our sharp tongues and keep them in our own mouths.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. Although a challenge to always respond appropriately, it’s certainly worth the effort. I enjoy reading your posts and continue to pray for you and Danny.
From where did the expressions “For Pete’s sake, For Heaven’s sake, and For goodness sake” come?
Great question, Gail! All have a common meaning. You can find details at https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/for+pete%27s+sake.
I’ve worked hard over the years (with our Lord’s help) to stop “biting someone’s head off.” I’m thankful for His patience in helping me better control my responses. I expect we’ve all experienced both sides of this behavior. Thank you for reminding us we can demonstrate the Fruit of the Spirit in verbal encounters and respond with kindness, generosity, respect, and love, rather than frustration and anger.
I continue to pray for kindness, love, respect, and patience in my words but must admit I remain a work in progress, Katherine. Blessings on all your interactions.
We can so easily respond hurtfully when we are in a bad mood. I try to be aware of those times and ask God to keep my words in my head. But … I am not always successful. I’m grateful for the grace offered at those times from both people and the Lord. I truly don’t like for others to feel like they need to walk on eggshells around me. (hmmm, another idiom 😀)
I hear you, Joanne. Our emotions often play havoc with our responses. Like you, I’m grateful for the grace and forgiveness of God and other people. Thanks for the walk on eggshells idea!