Lose the plot Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Overload Used when someone overreacts or gets too emotional about a situation. When he was fired, Dan lost the plot and shouted at his boss. Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage Common in spoken English to describe extreme reactions, but not suitable for formal writing. She lost the plot when she saw the mess after the party. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal It doesn't mean someone actually loses something; it's a metaphorical expression. My dad completely lost the plot during the football match.