Extremely angry, frustrated, or agitated to the point where one seems to need physical restraint. The phrase suggests someone is so upset they're acting irrationally or wildly.
This American expression from the 19th century refers to the practice of physically restraining people who were acting dangerously due to mental illness or extreme emotional disturbance. The phrase suggests someone is so agitated they would need to be literally tied up to prevent them from causing harm.
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