ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come unhinged

idiom
Meaning

To become angered or crazy; to lose control of one's senses or sanity.


Examples
SIMPLE

He started to come unhinged when he lost his keys.

CONTEXTUAL

The pressure of the deadline was so intense that the manager finally came unhinged during the meeting.

COMPLEX

As the evidence against him mounted, the once composed suspect began to come unhinged, shouting wildly at the judge and jury.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  2. 02

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  4. 04

    burn that bridge when one comes to it

    To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.

  5. 05

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  6. 06

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  7. 07

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  8. 08

    come again

    A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.

Last updated April 17, 2026