English Reference
Idiom idiom

lose the plot


To cease to behave in a consistent or rational manner.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He has completely lost the plot lately.

CONTEXTUAL

After working for twenty hours straight, the manager started shouting at everyone and clearly lost the plot.

COMPLEX

The once respected politician seemed to lose the plot entirely, delivering incoherent speeches that alienated his most loyal supporters.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be someone's to lose

    To be anticipated to be won by someone.

  2. 02

    fight a losing battle

    To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.

  3. 03

    for the plot

    Everything happens for a reason.

  4. 04

    lose face

    To lose the respect of others; to be humiliated or experience public disgrace.

  5. 05

    lose ground

    To suffer loss or disadvantage; to experience a setback.

  6. 06

    lose it

    To lose control of a situation.

  7. 07

    lose one's battle

    To succumb to a serious illness.

  8. 08

    lose one's bottle

    To lose courage and determination.

Last updated August 10, 2026