# he's off his rocker

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hes-off-his-rocker
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

He's crazy

## Examples

- He is off his rocker if he thinks he can win.
- The neighbor says he wants to build a spaceship in his backyard, so everyone thinks he's off his rocker.
- The investors whispered that the CEO was off his rocker after he proposed selling their most profitable division to fund a project that had no clear market value.

## Origin

Late 19th-century slang; usually explained by the image of someone falling off their rocking chair. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.