Have a screw loose
verb
To act in a strange or eccentric way.
He always wears his socks on his hands, I think he might have a screw loose.
Often appears as...
- might have a screw loose
- think he has a screw loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To be insane or crazy.
After he started talking to the furniture, we knew he had a screw loose.
Often appears as...
- have a screw loose
- seriously have a screw loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To act in a strange or eccentric way.
He always wears his socks on his hands, I think he might have a screw loose.
Often appears as...
- might have a screw loose
- think he has a screw loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To be insane or crazy.
After he started talking to the furniture, we knew he had a screw loose.
Often appears as...
- have a screw loose
- seriously have a screw loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Speech
Use 'have a screw loose' in casual conversations, but not in formal or serious situations.
My neighbor talks to plants; I think he may have a screw loose.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Offensive
It is a humorous phrase and not usually meant to offend, but be careful as some may find it insensitive.
She believes in aliens and ghosts; some say she has a screw loose.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is a metaphor and does not refer to actual screws or repair work.
He juggles fruit at the bus stop like he's got a screw loose.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Speech
Use 'have a screw loose' in casual conversations, but not in formal or serious situations.
My neighbor talks to plants; I think he may have a screw loose.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Offensive
It is a humorous phrase and not usually meant to offend, but be careful as some may find it insensitive.
She believes in aliens and ghosts; some say she has a screw loose.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is a metaphor and does not refer to actual screws or repair work.
He juggles fruit at the bus stop like he's got a screw loose.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Speech
Use 'have a screw loose' in casual conversations, but not in formal or serious situations.
My neighbor talks to plants; I think he may have a screw loose.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Offensive
It is a humorous phrase and not usually meant to offend, but be careful as some may find it insensitive.
She believes in aliens and ghosts; some say she has a screw loose.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is a metaphor and does not refer to actual screws or repair work.
He juggles fruit at the bus stop like he's got a screw loose.
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