A Bee In Her Bonnet

[janegil]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[susiedqq]

I think it's just the feminization for the masculine version:

He has his shorts all up in a knot about his car.

[Batfink]

Originally Posted by susiedqq

I think it's just the feminization for the masculine version:

He has his shorts all up in a knot about his car.

Or "his/her knickers in a twist!"