The phrase "blew fuse" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /bluː fjuːz/. The first syllable "blu" is pronounced as "blue" without the "e" sound at the end, while the second syllable "fju" sounds like "few". The letter "s" in "fuse" is pronounced as a "z" sound, which is why it is spelled with a "z" instead. This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation in which an electrical circuit has been overloaded, causing the fuse to blow and cutting off power to the circuit.
"Blew fuse" is a figurative expression that refers to the action of a fuse breaking or melting due to an electrical overload. In a literal sense, a fuse is a protective device in an electrical circuit that is designed to melt or blow, thereby interrupting the flow of electricity, when there is an excess current passing through it. By doing so, fuses prevent damage to the electrical components and reduce the risk of fire.
In a metaphorical sense, when something "blew a fuse," it means that an event or situation has overwhelmed or overburdened someone's emotional or mental capacity, resulting in an emotional outburst, a loss of control, or a sudden negative reaction. This expression is often used to describe an extreme emotional or psychological response to stress or frustration, typically involving anger, frustration, or even breakdown.
The phrase can be used to indicate the point at which an individual can no longer handle the pressure or circumstances they are facing, and as a consequence, they react in an explosive or irrational way. It implies the individual has reached their limit and can no longer maintain their composure or reason.
Overall, "blew fuse" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a situation where someone experiences an emotional or mental breakdown, comparable to an electrical fuse being overloaded and breaking.
The phrase "blew fuse" is derived from a combination of the words "blew" and "fuse".
The word "fuse" originated from the Middle English "fusen", which meant "to flow" or "to melt". Its source can be traced to the Latin word "fusus", meaning "melted" or "pouring out". This evolved from the Latin verb "fundere", meaning "to pour" or "to melt". The term "fuse" eventually became associated with a device used to prevent excessive current flow within an electrical circuit, and it is designed to melt or break when this occurs, thus protecting the circuit from damage.
The verb "blew" in "blew fuse" is the past tense of the word "blow".