English Explanatory Dictionary

have a cob on

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be in a bad mood; be grumpy.

Word forms

have a cob on has a cob on having a cob on had a cob on have got a cob on get a cob on

Etymology

Unknown. Perhaps from cob (“male swan”), noted for its ill-temper. Compare have a corncob up one's arse (“to be ill-tempered”).

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