Be/get/run, etc. out of control Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Event Chaos Used when an event or situation becomes too chaotic for anyone to control. The protest got out of control and turned into a riot. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Excess Can describe someone's emotional state that is no longer restrained or moderated. She let her anger get out of control during the argument. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Escalation Indicates a sudden and unforeseen turn in events leading to disorder. The friendly debate suddenly ran out of control.