Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to-go-off-the-deep-end

idiom

/tə ɡoʊ ɔf ðə dip ɛnd/

Definition

To behave in a reckless or irrational manner; to lose control or sanity, often as a result of stress or extreme emotion.

Examples

After months of pressure at work, she finally went off the deep end and shouted at her boss.
When he saw the exam results, he seemed to go off the deep end, unable to process his disappointment.
It’s understandable to feel anxious, but don’t go off the deep end over a minor setback.

Meaning

The phrase suggests diving into deep waters, metaphorically indicating that someone has ventured into a situation that is overwhelming or beyond their ability to manage.