# lose the plot

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lose-the-plot
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cease to behave in a consistent or rational manner.

## Examples

- He has completely lost the plot lately.
- After working for twenty hours straight, the manager started shouting at everyone and clearly lost the plot.
- The once respected politician seemed to lose the plot entirely, delivering incoherent speeches that alienated his most loyal supporters.

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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.