This idiom describes losing one’s temper or becoming extremely angry, as if a mechanical gasket bursts under pressure, releasing steam or energy. It conveys explosive frustration, often used in personal or workplace contexts to depict sudden rage. The phrase carries a tone of intensity, humor, or exasperation, reflecting cultural values of emotional control and the human tendency to snap. Its mechanical imagery evokes a violent release, resonating in scenarios like heated disputes or stress. The idiom captures volatile anger, making it a dynamic metaphor for emotional outbursts.

The phrase originated in early 20th-century America, tied to automotive slang where a blown gasket meant engine failure, as noted in mechanic journals. Its earliest recorded metaphorical use appears in *The Washington Post* (1930s), describing a furious worker. The idiom gained traction in the 1940s, amplified by industrial culture and media, notably in *The New York Times* for labor disputes. Its adoption, primarily in the U.S., stems from its vivid imagery and applicability to anger, with some use in Canada and Australia.