HIT THE CEILING Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

hit the ceiling

phrase

as in anger

to become very angry The sellers hit the ceiling when they heard the low offer on the house.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hit the ceiling On March 16, 2025, sparks from indoor fireworks hit the ceiling of the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 Her team started where everybody starts, writing a prompt telling the model to act like a teacher, and hit the ceiling fast. — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hit the ceiling

Phrase

However, seeing the obviously unwell Jane continually fly off the handle is challenging to watch, especially since her behavior is chalked up to bad nerves and a desperate desire to find a man who will save her from herself.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
And the person who flies off the handle potentially will be the loser.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026

Definition of fly off the handle

Phrase

When everything goes ballistic, the film adopts a pace similar to the rollercoaster Italian ghost films of the 1980s.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
The Wolverines faithful in the crowd went ballistic, knowing how much that basket meant considering what UConn has been able to do in this tournament.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of go ballistic

Browse Nearby Words

hit the bottle

hit the ceiling

hit the hay

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“Hit the ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hit%20the%20ceiling. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hit the ceiling

phrase

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