Language is not only about grammar and vocabulary—it’s also about color, rhythm, and expression. Idioms are one of the most exciting parts of English because they capture feelings, actions, and situations in creative ways.
Instead of saying someone is acting strangely or has lost control, English speakers often use idioms to add humor or drama. That’s where idioms for “going crazy” come in handy.
These idioms are often used in everyday conversations, movies, books, and even songs. They make your English sound more natural and expressive.
Whether you want to describe someone acting silly, someone losing their temper, or simply feeling overwhelmed, idioms about going crazy can help.
In this article, we’ll explore dozens of lively idioms, grouped into clear sections so you can learn, remember, and use them confidently.
Did You Know?
The phrase “mad as a hatter” comes from the 18th and 19th centuries when hat makers often went insane due to mercury poisoning used in the hat-making process. That’s why “mad” in English is sometimes another word for “crazy”!
Idioms for Going Crazy
Idioms for Acting Wild or Silly
Lose your marbles
Meaning: To go insane or act irrationally.
Example: “After working nonstop for a week, I felt like I was losing my marbles.”
Similar Idiom: “Go nuts.”
Note: Common in casual speech, often humorous.
Go bananas
Meaning: To become excited or act wildly.
Example: “The kids went bananas when they saw the magician.”
Similar Idiom: “Go wild.”
Note: Used in fun, informal settings.
Off the rocker
Meaning: Acting strangely or irrationally.
Example: “He must be off his rocker to quit his job without a plan.”
Similar Idiom: “Not all there.”
Note: Informal and sometimes slightly critical.
Go nuts
Meaning: To become very emotional or irrational.
Example: “She went nuts when she saw her birthday surprise.”
Similar Idiom: “Go bananas.”
Note: Casual, common in daily speech.
Crack up
Meaning: To lose control, often through laughter or stress.
Example: “Everyone cracked up at his funny joke.”
Similar Idiom: “Burst out laughing.”
Note: Positive when about laughter, negative when about stress.
Mad as a hatter
Meaning: Completely crazy.
Example: “That plan is mad as a hatter.”
Similar Idiom: “Totally bonkers.”
Note: Old-fashioned but still used for humor.
Out to lunch
Meaning: Not paying attention, acting strangely.
Example: “He didn’t answer—he must be out to lunch.”
Similar Idiom: “Zoned out.”
Note: Informal, often lighthearted.
Like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning: Running around wildly without control.
Example: “She was running around like a chicken with its head cut off before the wedding.”
Similar Idiom: “Running wild.”
Note: Humorous, everyday use.
One card short of a deck
Meaning: A little crazy or not very smart.
Example: “He’s one card short of a deck, but he’s fun to be around.”
Similar Idiom: “Not playing with a full deck.”
Note: Informal, slightly mocking.
Batty
Meaning: Eccentric, odd, or crazy.
Example: “My aunt is a bit batty, but we love her stories.”
Similar Idiom: “Nuts.”
Note: Gentle and often affectionate.
Idioms for Anger and Losing Control
Blow a fuse
Meaning: To become very angry.
Example: “Dad blew a fuse when he saw the broken window.”
Similar Idiom: “Fly off the handle.”
Note: Common when describing sudden anger.
Go off the deep end
Meaning: To lose control emotionally.
Example: “She went off the deep end after the bad news.”
Similar Idiom: “Lose it.”
Note: Informal, often serious.
Blow your top
Meaning: To lose temper suddenly.
Example: “He blew his top when the project failed.”
Similar Idiom: “Explode.”
Note: Informal, strong emotion.
Fly off the handle
Meaning: To suddenly get very angry.
Example: “She flew off the handle when she found out the truth.”
Similar Idiom: “Blow a gasket.”
Note: Used often in daily English.
Go berserk
Meaning: To become violent or uncontrollably angry.
Example: “The crowd went berserk when their team won.”
Similar Idiom: “Go wild.”
Note: Used in sports or emotional moments.
See red
Meaning: To become extremely angry.
Example: “He saw red when he heard the insult.”
Similar Idiom: “Lose your temper.”
Note: Vivid imagery, common in speech.
Lose it
Meaning: To lose self-control, either from anger or stress.
Example: “She lost it when her computer crashed.”
Similar Idiom: “Go off the rails.”
Note: Very casual, used often.
Blow a gasket
Meaning: To become furious.
Example: “He blew a gasket after waiting two hours in traffic.”
Similar Idiom: “Blow a fuse.”
Note: Informal, daily use.
Jump out of your skin
Meaning: To get a sudden shock or fear.
Example: “I nearly jumped out of my skin when the door slammed.”
Similar Idiom: “Get a fright.”
Note: Often playful or dramatic.
Hit the roof
Meaning: To get very angry quickly.
Example: “Mom hit the roof when she saw the mess.”
Similar Idiom: “Blow your top.”
Note: Common in British English.
Idioms for Mental Confusion or Disorder
Not playing with a full deck
Meaning: Lacking common sense.
Example: “He’s funny, but not playing with a full deck.”
Similar Idiom: “One sandwich short of a picnic.”
Note: Informal, joking.
Off the deep end
Meaning: To go mentally unstable.
Example: “He went off the deep end after losing his job.”
Similar Idiom: “Lose your marbles.”
Note: Can be serious.
Out of one’s mind
Meaning: Acting irrationally or extremely.
Example: “He must be out of his mind to drive that fast.”
Similar Idiom: “Crazy.”
Note: Neutral, everyday speech.
Round the bend
Meaning: Insane or crazy.
Example: “All this noise is driving me round the bend.”
Similar Idiom: “Drive me crazy.”
Note: Common in UK English.
Cuckoo
Meaning: Crazy, strange, silly.
Example: “That idea sounds cuckoo to me.”
Similar Idiom: “Nuts.”
Note: Light, humorous tone.
Drive someone crazy
Meaning: To annoy someone a lot.
Example: “The noise is driving me crazy.”
Similar Idiom: “Drive someone up the wall.”
Note: Very common in spoken English.
Nuts
Meaning: Crazy or foolish.
Example: “He’s nuts about football.”
Similar Idiom: “Bonkers.”
Note: Everyday slang.
Bonkers
Meaning: Wildly crazy.
Example: “The crowd went bonkers after the announcement.”
Similar Idiom: “Go mad.”
Note: Informal, lighthearted.
Screw loose
Meaning: Suggesting someone is mentally unstable.
Example: “He acts like he has a screw loose.”
Similar Idiom: “Not all there.”
Note: Informal, slightly rude.
Nutty as a fruitcake
Meaning: Completely crazy.
Example: “That idea is nutty as a fruitcake.”
Similar Idiom: “Mad as a hatter.”
Note: Humorous, informal.
Idioms for Overexcitement or Extreme Emotions
Crazy about
Meaning: To like something a lot.
Example: “She’s crazy about chocolate.”
Similar Idiom: “Mad about.”
Note: Positive, common.
Mad about
Meaning: Extremely fond of something.
Example: “He’s mad about football.”
Similar Idiom: “Crazy about.”
Note: More British usage.
Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: “She was over the moon about her promotion.”
Similar Idiom: “On cloud nine.”
Note: Positive excitement.
Jump for joy
Meaning: To be very happy.
Example: “He jumped for joy when he passed the exam.”
Similar Idiom: “On top of the world.”
Note: Positive and light.
Wild about
Meaning: Very enthusiastic.
Example: “She’s wild about dancing.”
Similar Idiom: “Crazy about.”
Note: Informal enthusiasm.
Head over heels
Meaning: Deeply in love.
Example: “She’s head over heels for him.”
Similar Idiom: “Madly in love.”
Note: Romantic usage.
Love-struck
Meaning: Acting foolish due to love.
Example: “He was love-struck when he met her.”
Similar Idiom: “Head over heels.”
Note: Informal, romantic.
Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Overexcited about something.
Example: “He was like a kid in a candy store at the car show.”
Similar Idiom: “Over the moon.”
Note: Fun and descriptive.
Beside yourself
Meaning: Extremely emotional (happy, angry, or sad).
Example: “She was beside herself with worry.”
Similar Idiom: “Lose it.”
Note: More formal, emotional contexts.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited.
Example: “They were on cloud nine after their wedding.”
Similar Idiom: “Over the moon.”
Note: Common in both speech and writing.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
Idioms for going crazy are versatile. You can use them in:
- Speaking: Add humor or express feelings more naturally. For example, instead of saying “I was very angry,” you can say “I blew my top.”
- Writing: Use them in creative stories, blogs, or casual emails. For instance, “The crowd went berserk with excitement.”
- Professional settings: Use carefully in presentations or speeches to sound relatable. Example: “The office went nuts when the project finally launched.”
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Using idioms too literally
❌ Wrong: “He lost his marbles on the street” (sounds physical).
✅ Correct: “He lost his marbles after the long meeting.” - Mixing idioms incorrectly
❌ Wrong: “She blew her marbles.”
✅ Correct: “She blew her top” / “She lost her marbles.” - Overusing idioms
Using too many idioms in one sentence can sound unnatural. It’s better to sprinkle them lightly.
FAQs
1. Are idioms for going crazy offensive?
Not always. Many are playful, but some (like “screw loose”) can sound rude if used about a person.
2. Can I use these idioms in formal writing?
Idioms are best for casual writing or creative work. In formal writing, keep them limited.
3. Are these idioms used worldwide?
Most are understood in English-speaking countries, but some are more common in the US or UK.
4. How can I practice these idioms?
Try using one new idiom each day in conversation or writing. Context helps you remember.
5. Which idiom means being very happy?
Idioms like “over the moon” and “on cloud nine” are perfect for expressing extreme joy.
Conclusion
Idioms for going crazy bring humor, energy, and vivid imagery into English. From describing wild excitement to angry outbursts or just acting silly, these expressions make communication lively and colorful.
The more you learn and use them, the more natural and fluent your English will sound. So next time you feel overwhelmed, delighted, or even just a little silly, try slipping in one of these idioms—you might just drive your friends crazy (in a good way)!
