Get one's knickers in a twist
Meaning
To become unnecessarily agitated or upset about something minor.
Origin
The phrase quite literally describes the uncomfortable and irritating sensation of one's underwear becoming tangled and bunched up. This minor physical annoyance, which can cause significant discomfort and agitation, was quickly adopted in the mid-20th century as a vivid metaphor for someone becoming overly stressed, annoyed, or upset about something equally minor or inconsequential. It perfectly captures the disproportionate reaction to a small problem, transforming a trivial wardrobe malfunction into a universal symbol of unnecessary fuss.
Examples
- Don't get your knickers in a twist over a small delay; the train will arrive eventually.
- He tends to get his knickers in a twist every time someone changes the meeting time.