Become very angry when pest released from grip? (3,3,3,6)
I believe the answer is:
fly off the handle
'become very angry' is the definition.
'pest released from grip?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'pest' could be 'fly' and 'fly' is found within the answer.
'from' could be 'off' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'off' is found within the answer.
'grip?' could be 'handle' ('handle' can be a synonym of 'grip') and 'handle' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'the' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'when' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fly off the handle that I've seen before include "Robin perching on spade may" , "Lose one's temper" , "react angrily" , "See red" .)