Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Don't Get Your Knickers in a Twist

What does it mean?

Don't get your knickers in a twist is a very common informal UK idiom meaning "Don't get upset, angry, or overly worried" about something minor. It's a casual way to tell someone to calm down.

Is it positive or negative?

It's neutral to advisory - used to defuse or lighten a situation when someone is overreacting.

When do you use it?

Use it when someone is getting frustrated, irritated, or anxious about a small issue or delay.

Examples

Example 1: Relax, the film starts in five minutes. Don't get your knickers in a twist about being late.

Example 2: So what if you spilled a drop of coffeeDon't get your knickers in a twist.

Question for you

Can you think of a time when someone told you not to get your knickers in a twist?

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