Go haywire
verb
To stop working correctly or to start behaving in a strange, unpredictable way.
After the software update, my computer started to go haywire.
Often appears as...
- plans go haywire
- things go haywire
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To become erratic or out of control.
When she heard the news, her emotions went haywire.
Often appears as...
- emotions go haywire
- life goes haywire
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To stop working correctly or to start behaving in a strange, unpredictable way.
After the software update, my computer started to go haywire.
Often appears as...
- plans go haywire
- things go haywire
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To become erratic or out of control.
When she heard the news, her emotions went haywire.
Often appears as...
- emotions go haywire
- life goes haywire
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Technology Glitches
Often used when technology fails in unpredictable ways, suggesting temporary confusion or chaos.
My smartphone's display went haywire after I dropped it.
Pro Tip 2/3Plan Disruption
Use when a well-thought-out plan fails abruptly, leading to unforeseen outcomes.
Our travel arrangements went haywire due to the storm.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Behavior
Describes someone or something acting out of the ordinary in a sudden, confusing manner.
The quiet classroom went haywire when a bee flew in.
Pro Tip 1/3Technology Glitches
Often used when technology fails in unpredictable ways, suggesting temporary confusion or chaos.
My smartphone's display went haywire after I dropped it.
Pro Tip 2/3Plan Disruption
Use when a well-thought-out plan fails abruptly, leading to unforeseen outcomes.
Our travel arrangements went haywire due to the storm.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Behavior
Describes someone or something acting out of the ordinary in a sudden, confusing manner.
The quiet classroom went haywire when a bee flew in.
Pro Tip 1/3Technology Glitches
Often used when technology fails in unpredictable ways, suggesting temporary confusion or chaos.
My smartphone's display went haywire after I dropped it.
Pro Tip 2/3Plan Disruption
Use when a well-thought-out plan fails abruptly, leading to unforeseen outcomes.
Our travel arrangements went haywire due to the storm.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Behavior
Describes someone or something acting out of the ordinary in a sudden, confusing manner.
The quiet classroom went haywire when a bee flew in.
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