This well-known phrase is said to have originated during the pioneer days in America, and it quite literally refers to the action of a loose axe head flying off its handle when swung with force. When this happens, the axe would go out of control, possibly causing unexpected damage—much like a person losing their temper. So, the next time you’re about to ‘fly off the handle’, remember this fun, useless fact and try to hold onto your proverbial axe!
