ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cap over the windmill

idiom
Meaning

In a bizarre or eccentric manner.


Origin

disputed origin

Derived from throw one's cap over the windmill.

Examples
SIMPLE

He acts with his cap over the windmill sometimes.

CONTEXTUAL

The artist threw his cap over the windmill and painted the entire living room neon green.

COMPLEX

Ignoring all social conventions, the eccentric inventor threw his cap over the windmill and began conducting his experiments in the middle of the public square.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bust a cap

    To fire a weapon; to shoot with a gun.

  2. 02

    cap in hand

    In a humble and respectful manner.

  3. 03

    cap it all off

    To finish or complete something; to add a finishing touch.

  4. 04

    considering cap

    An imaginary hat worn to aid careful thought or deliberation.

  5. 05

    feather in one's cap

    An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.

  6. 06

    set one's cap at

    To choose a man as a potential husband (for a girl).

  7. 07

    thinking cap

    A metaphorical state of focused thinking or concentration, invoked to encourage problem-solving.

  8. 08

    throw one's cap over the windmill

    To act in a bizarre, eccentric or immoral manner.

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