Go off the deep end
verb phrase
To go crazy or mad because of stress, anger or disappointment.
It seemed like he was going to go off the deep end when they canceled his favorite show.
Often appears as...
- threaten to go off the deep end
- nearly go off the deep end
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To suddenly start behaving in a way that is not normal, often because of strong emotions.
She went off the deep end when she found out she had been cheated on.
Often appears as...
- just about to go off the deep end
- almost go off the deep end
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To go crazy or mad because of stress, anger or disappointment.
It seemed like he was going to go off the deep end when they canceled his favorite show.
Often appears as...
- threaten to go off the deep end
- nearly go off the deep end
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To suddenly start behaving in a way that is not normal, often because of strong emotions.
She went off the deep end when she found out she had been cheated on.
Often appears as...
- just about to go off the deep end
- almost go off the deep end
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Used when an event causes a strong emotional response leading to an extreme reaction.
He went off the deep end after losing the championship game.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for losing control, not someone swimming in water.
When the airline lost her luggage, she went off the deep end.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Most suitable for casual conversations, not formal situations.
At the party, Dave went off the deep end after too much to drink.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Used when an event causes a strong emotional response leading to an extreme reaction.
He went off the deep end after losing the championship game.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for losing control, not someone swimming in water.
When the airline lost her luggage, she went off the deep end.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Most suitable for casual conversations, not formal situations.
At the party, Dave went off the deep end after too much to drink.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
Used when an event causes a strong emotional response leading to an extreme reaction.
He went off the deep end after losing the championship game.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphor for losing control, not someone swimming in water.
When the airline lost her luggage, she went off the deep end.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
Most suitable for casual conversations, not formal situations.
At the party, Dave went off the deep end after too much to drink.
Never forget "Go off the deep end"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension