in a state

in a state

1. Agitated, anxious, or upset. Tommy's been in a state ever since we took his video games away from him. Mom is in a state because she just found out that we're hosting all of our relatives for Christmas—which is three days away. Janine has been in a state about her driving test today. I hope she passes and gets her license.
2. Chaotic or unruly; disheveled; very messy or untidy. I'd invite you in for a cup of tea, but the house is in a state at the moment. My hair was in a state when I woke up this morning, and I haven't been able to do anything with it all day! Their house has been in a state ever since Dan's wife passed away.
See also: state
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in a state

see under in a lather.
See also: state
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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