a-i sări muștarul
to lose one's temper (lit. for the mustard to jump)
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/aj sə.ˈri muʃ.ˈta.rul/
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Cultural Note
This colorful idiom literally means 'the mustard jumps out,' evoking the image of mustard spurting from a jar under pressure. It perfectly captures the sudden, explosive nature of losing one's temper. Romanians use it frequently in everyday conversation.
📝 Example Sentences
I-a sărit muștarul când a auzit vestea.
He lost his temper when he heard the news.
Nu-mi mai sări muștarul, te rog!
Please don't make me lose my temper!
Îi sare muștarul foarte repede.
She loses her temper very quickly.