jump down (one's) throat

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jump down (one's) throat

To yell at or scold one harshly, often unexpectedly. Whoa, don't jump down my throat—I'm just the messenger here. Talk to the boss if you're unhappy with this decision.

See also: down, jump, throat

jump down someone's throat

Strongly criticize, reprimand or disagree with someone. For example, Just because I admitted to being there, you needn't jump down my throat. [Late 1800s] Also see jump all over someone.

See also: down, jump, throat

jump down someone's throat

INFORMAL

If someone jumps down your throat, they react in a very angry way to something you have said or done. If I even asked her about her day, she'd jump down my throat, as if I were interrogating her. Is your boss more likely to jump down your throat than listen to your useful suggestions?

See also: down, jump, throat

jump down someone's throat

respond to what someone has said in a sudden and angrily critical way. informal

See also: down, jump, throat

jump down somebody’s ˈthroat

(informal) react to something that somebody has said or done by suddenly speaking to them angrily: He asked her a very simple question and she jumped down his throat. He couldn’t believe it. ♢ It’s not my fault. Don’t jump down my throat.

See also: down, jump, throat