What has got into somebody?

phrase

Used to ask why someone is behaving strangely or unusually.

What has got into you today? You are behaving so erratic.
Visual representation of "what has got into somebody?" - Used to ask why someone is behaving strangely or unusually

Often appears as...

  • what has got into you?
  • what has got into him?

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to ask what information or influence has changed someone's behaviour.

Ever since he started that new job, he's been acting differently. What has got into him?
Visual representation of "what has got into somebody?" - Used to ask what information or influence has changed someone's behaviour

Often appears as...

  • what has got into their heads?
  • what has got into our boss?

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to ask why someone is behaving strangely or unusually.

What has got into you today? You are behaving so erratic.
Visual representation of "what has got into somebody?" - Used to ask why someone is behaving strangely or unusually

Often appears as...

  • what has got into you?
  • what has got into him?

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to ask what information or influence has changed someone's behaviour.

Ever since he started that new job, he's been acting differently. What has got into him?
Visual representation of "what has got into somebody?" - Used to ask what information or influence has changed someone's behaviour

Often appears as...

  • what has got into their heads?
  • what has got into our boss?

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "what has got into somebody?"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Shift

Indicates surprise at someone's sudden change in emotions or behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Shift
You're so quiet today, what has got into you?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mood Observation

Use when someone acts out of character or mood, typically in a negative way.

Illustration for Mood Observation
She yelled at everyone, what has got into her suddenly?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reacting to Change

Points out an unexpected change in someone’s choices or actions.

Illustration for Reacting to Change
He's been so reckless, what has got into him?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Shift

Indicates surprise at someone's sudden change in emotions or behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Shift
You're so quiet today, what has got into you?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mood Observation

Use when someone acts out of character or mood, typically in a negative way.

Illustration for Mood Observation
She yelled at everyone, what has got into her suddenly?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reacting to Change

Points out an unexpected change in someone’s choices or actions.

Illustration for Reacting to Change
He's been so reckless, what has got into him?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Shift

Indicates surprise at someone's sudden change in emotions or behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Shift
You're so quiet today, what has got into you?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mood Observation

Use when someone acts out of character or mood, typically in a negative way.

Illustration for Mood Observation
She yelled at everyone, what has got into her suddenly?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reacting to Change

Points out an unexpected change in someone’s choices or actions.

Illustration for Reacting to Change
He's been so reckless, what has got into him?
Visual representation of the word "What has got into somebody?"

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