go off on one

go off on (one)

To become very angry and hostile toward one, often unexpectedly. The boss just came into my office and went off on me for no apparent reason. I'm afraid I went off on the kids a little when I came home. I just couldn't handle all the screaming. Don't go off on the customer service rep, OK? This bogus company policy isn't her fault.

See also: go, off, on

go off on one

To begin a fervent tirade or lecture about some topic or issue. Uh oh, Tom is going off on one again about politics. We'd better change the subject, quick! My father is always apt to go off on one about the dangers of living in the city. Sorry, I didn't mean to go off on one like that. It's just an issue that I care about deeply.

See also: go, off, on, one

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go off on someone

in. to berate someone. Don’t go off on me! I’m not the cause of your problems!

See also: go, off, on, someone

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.