take (one's) head off
(redirected from take someone's head off)take (one's) head off
1. Literally, to decapitate one; to sever one's head from one's body. The despot began taking people's heads off for so much as whispering dissent. Never, ever stand up during a rollercoaster ride, or it could end up taking your head off!
2. To criticize or respond to one in an extremely angry and aggressive manner. What's wrong with the boss today? I just tried to ask him a question, and he nearly took my head off! Look, I know you're upset, but don't go taking the kids' heads off about it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take someone's head off
Fig. to scold or berate someone severely. There is no need to take his head off about such a simple matter.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.