In a lather Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫæðɝ
IN-uh LATH-er
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /ˈlæ.ðə(ɹ)
IN-uh LAH-thuh
Definition
If someone is 'in a lather,' they are very nervous, anxious, or upset about something, often in a way that makes them visibly agitated.
Usage & Nuances
'In a lather' is informal and a bit old-fashioned in modern English. It often describes someone who is visibly anxious, excited, or upset, sometimes overreacting to something minor. Do not use it for calm nervousness or in formal writing.
Spanish: muy alterado - nervioso - hecho un manojo de nerviosPortuguese (BR): muito agitado - nervoso - inquietoPortuguese (PT): muito agitado - nervoso - inquietoChinese (Simplified): 非常激动 - 紧张不安Chinese (Traditional): 非常激動 - 緊張不安Hindi: बेचैन - घबराया हुआArabic: في حالة توتر شديد - قلق للغايةBengali: অস্থির - উত্তেজিতRussian: на взводе - взволнованJapanese: 取り乱して - 慌ててVietnamese: bồn chồn - lo lắngKorean: 안절부절못하는 - 몹시 초조한Turkish: çok telaşlı - telaş içindeUrdu: بے چین - گھبرایا ہواIndonesian: căng thẳng - bồn chồn
Example Sentences
She was in a lather before her big exam.
basic
Don't get in a lather over small mistakes.
basic
He was in a lather waiting for the phone call.
basic
Mom always gets in a lather when we're running late.
natural
By the time the meeting started, she was already in a lather.
natural
There's no need to get in a lather—everything will work out.
natural