have (one's) knickers in a twist

have (one's) knickers in a twist

To be overly upset or emotional over something, especially that which is trivial or unimportant. I hope you don't have your knickers in a twist—I swear I'll have the car back by tomorrow morning! In my opinion, people have their knickers in a twist over this election.

See also: have, knickers, twist

get/have your ˈknickers in a twist

(British English) (American English get/have your ˈpanties in a knot) (informal) react too strongly to a difficult situation by getting angry, upset, confused, etc: The boss is getting his knickers in a twist about these sales figures. ♢ Don’t get your panties in a knot about it! It’s no big deal.

See also: get, have, knickers, twist