Meaning of "had a cow"

[Pavan]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #201 "Idioms about Animals", question 2

My parents ......... when my teacher called them and told them about my poor grades.

(a) had a cow
(b) had a pig
(c) had a bird

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #201 "Idioms about Animals", answer 2

My parents had a cow when my teacher called them and told them about my poor grades.

Correct answer: (a) had a cow

Your answer was: incorrect
My parents had a pig when my teacher called them and told them about my poor grades.
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What does "had a cow" mean?

and why is it said like that?

Pavan

[Yankee]

Hi Pavan

"Have a cow" is a very informal idiomatic expression that means to "become very upset or angry".

Amy
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English