have a cadenza

have a cadenza

To become angry, agitated, or irritated. Primarily heard in South Africa. John always has a cadenza over the traffic on his way to work. Don't have a cadenza—I was only trying to be helpful!

See also: have

have a cadenza

SOUTH AFRICAN, INFORMAL

If someone has a cadenza, they become very angry or upset. He had a cadenza because he couldn't get his favourite curry.

See also: have

have a cadenza

be extremely agitated. South African informal

Cadenza is an Italian term for a virtuoso solo passage near the end of a piece of music. This informal sense probably comes from Danny Kaye 's humorous 1940s recording ‘The Little Fiddle’.

1991 D. Capel Personality The Conservative party is having a cadenza about ‘subliminal messages’ on the SABC's news logo.

See also: have