Go off the deep end Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger Used when an event causes a strong emotional response leading to an extreme reaction. He went off the deep end after losing the championship game. Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal It's a metaphor for losing control, not someone swimming in water. When the airline lost her luggage, she went off the deep end. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use Most suitable for casual conversations, not formal situations. At the party, Dave went off the deep end after too much to drink.