go off on

go off on (one)

To become very angry and hostile toward one, often unexpectedly. The boss just came into my office and went off on me for no apparent reason. I'm afraid I went off on the kids a little when I came home. I just couldn't handle all the screaming.See also: go, off, on

go off on someone

Sl. to berate someone. Don't go off on me! I'm not the cause of your problems! The teacher went off on poor little Harry.See also: go, off, on