A Bee In Her Bonnet - Page 2

janegil · #11 (**permalink**) 24-Mar-2008, 09:38

I have always understood this expression as meaning "being fixated on" or "being hung up on" something. I have heard a crude American version of it: "he has a bug up his ass." Someone who is particularly preoccupied with a particular issue, is said to "have a bee in his bonnet" about it.

janegil

susiedqq · #12 (**permalink**) 24-Mar-2008, 21:41

Yes, it seems you have an understanding of the expressions, however, I think there is more resentment in one of the terms:

Mary had a bee in her bonnet about the decorations for the party.
(upset about a particular thing)

He had a bug up his a$$ about the cost of the repairs.
(resentment,)

janegil · #13 (**permalink**) 25-Mar-2008, 08:47

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I agree with you, I don't consider it a positive thing if you are characterized as having a bee in your bonnet about something. Perhaps I should have said: "being TOO preoccupied ..... "

Batfink · #14 (**permalink**) 29-Mar-2008, 06:28

A bonnet is an old Victorian hat worn by ladies. It has a veil in front so having a bee in your bonnet would certainly mean that you are irritated or preoccupied with something. It helps to visualise idioms sometimes.