# lose one's wits

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lose-ones-wits
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To become irrational; lose one's mind or sense of reason.

## Examples

- He started to lose his wits during the long, difficult exam.
- When the computer system crashed for the third time, the manager began to lose his wits.
- Faced with the relentless pressure of the deadline, the exhausted architect felt as though he might lose his wits entirely.

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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.