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Idioms are figurative phrases derived from literal meanings. “Bent out of shape” means not to get angry over small issues, or when plans are altered. It’s easier to solve problems with a clear head. Other similar idioms include “get a cow” or “fuss.”
There are many English phrases that, taken literally, don’t make much sense. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms are meant to be taken figuratively and generally derive from literal meanings of the sentence that are relevant in other contexts or have been relevant in the past. While it may be difficult for non-Americans to understand some of the more complicated idioms, many are easy to understand.
A popular American idiom is “bent out of shape.” The most common context is to tell someone not to get angry about an issue. It’s like being upset, irritated, or overly annoyed about something that usually can’t be avoided. For example, a person might be advised not to buckle down for a minor parking fine. It is something that cannot be changed, and therefore the person should just face it and move on.
Another use of the phrase is for something that is slightly different than it should be, such as saying that someone’s plans are all altered due to unforeseen circumstances. In this situation, it means that the plans that have been made are messed up. Maybe there was a lot of traffic, or someone got sick. Whatever the reason, the person would not be able to complete his plans the way he originally had in mind. This usage is not as common as the first one, but is still used occasionally.
The phrase is also common when referring to broken or bent objects, which is where the phrase was originally used. If a nail is bent out of shape, it’s useless. That’s why the phrase encourages people not to get irrationally angry over small issues. It’s easier to solve any problems that may arise when you have a clear head and are able to think rationally. Being upset or very emotional will make it much more difficult to find a solution. Remaining calm is usually the best way to deal with a difficult situation.
There are several idioms that are very close in meaning to this phrase. One of the most popular is advising someone not to “get a cow” or not to “fuss” about something. If you are very out of shape from what someone is doing, there is a chance you may “jump on them” or even “jump off your top.”
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