Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
off-the-rails
idiom
/ˌɔf ðə reɪlz/
Definition
A phrase used to describe something that has gone out of control or become chaotic.
Examples
- After the unexpected news, the project went completely off-the-rails.
- His behavior during the meeting was so erratic that it felt like we were off-the-rails.
- When the team missed their deadlines, their plans quickly went off-the-rails.
Meaning
When something is said to be ‘off-the-rails’, it usually implies that it is no longer following the expected path or behavior, often resulting in confusion or disorder.
Synonyms
- out of control
- chaotic
- unraveled
- disarrayed
- off course
