Learn English – How to say that someone has too much emotion, more than their position allows

phrase-requestword-request

I think I've read something in the structure of "he is [adj] [prep] humanly temper", but I can't remember the exact words for someone who should be just but instead let the temper got the better of them. Kind of like Greek gods who get carried away by little things just like a real life human being. Is there really some phrase like this?

Best Answer

My humble suggestion is

He lets emotions get the better of him.

Or maybe

He fails to walk the line.

One of the definitions for "walk the line", per Wiktionary, is

(idiomatic) To behave in an authorized or socially accepted manner, especially as prescribed by law or morality; to exercise self-control.

"Walk the line" and "toe the line" are idioms more appropriate when describing a person in a subordinate position, or trying to conform to other people's wishes and/or expectations.

"Get the better of" could be more appropriate if your goal is to describe, say, a high judge in a country with powerful and independent judiciary. He wants to be impartial out of considerations of honor etc., but sometimes emotions get the better of him. After all, he is a human being.

Another one:

He fails to keep his emotions in check.

Another:

He is driven by human passions and beset with human frailties.

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