Lost the Plot

Lost the Plot (phrase / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Losing the plot, Has lost the plot, Completely lost the plot)

Definition:

Lost the plot means to lose control, act irrationally or go a bit mad. It can describe someone who is angry, confused or behaving oddly. The expression is used jokingly as well, as in “I have totally lost the plot with this recipe”.

Where Lost the Plot Comes From:

The phrase is believed to come from the idea of losing the thread of a story, as in a film or book, so you no longer understand what is going on. It has been used in British English since at least the 1980s, and it is common in the UK, Australia and Ireland. It is rarely heard in the USA, where people say “lost it” instead.

How People Actually Use Lost the Plot:

Friends say it about someone who seems to have gone off the rails: “He has completely lost the plot”. Commentators use it about football managers, politicians and celebrities. It is also used about yourself when things get too much.

Is Lost the Plot Offensive?

Not really, though it could be insensitive if used about mental health in a serious way. For everyday situations, it is a common and mild phrase.

Examples in the Wild:

• “The manager has lost the plot, he subbed off his best player.”

  Meaning: His decisions make no sense.

• “I think I am losing the plot with this paperwork.”

  Meaning: I am overwhelmed and confused.

• “Has he lost the plot? He is wearing shorts in January.”

  Meaning: He is acting strangely.

Similar Slang:

Bonkers, Barmy, Crash Out, Cooked, Gormless, Pear-Shaped

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