Lose the plot
verb
To become crazy or start behaving in a way that does not make sense.
He completely lost the plot when his girlfriend left him.
Often appears as...
- suddenly lose the plot
- completely lose the plot
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To fail to understand or concentrate on what you are doing.
I was following the instruction manual, but I lost the plot halfway through.
Often appears as...
- lose the plot during
- lose the plot in the middle of
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To become crazy or start behaving in a way that does not make sense.
He completely lost the plot when his girlfriend left him.
Often appears as...
- suddenly lose the plot
- completely lose the plot
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To fail to understand or concentrate on what you are doing.
I was following the instruction manual, but I lost the plot halfway through.
Often appears as...
- lose the plot during
- lose the plot in the middle of
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro 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.
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