border on madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "border on madness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or idea that is very close to being irrational or insane. Example: "His obsession with perfectionism seems to border on madness, as he spends hours redoing tasks that are already completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The emotional involvement becomes so powerful that it can border on madness.

BioSocieties

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While for most the idea of holidaying in the DRPK is one that borders on madness, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a rare glimpse into one of the most isolated, enigmatic and feared countries on earth.

BBC

The government promises not to give Catalonia a financial deal that is not available to, and backed by, other regions.In this section The Viktor and Yulia show Bordering on madness Cold fusion About a rebate Homage to Barcelona Score one for the Vatican Re-enacting Waterloo Reprints Related items Spain and its regions: Clarity neededApr 21st 2005Mr Maragall dismisses talk of a crisis.

The Economist

But in Donetsk, at least, resentment of Mr Yushchenko persists.In this section The Viktor and Yulia show Bordering on madness Cold fusion About a rebate Homage to Barcelona Score one for the Vatican Re-enacting Waterloo ReprintsThe east's suspicions were sharpened by the arrest in April of Boris Kolesnikov over the allegedly violent takeover of a Donetsk department store.

The Economist

Which, if unamended, borders on madness.

The Guardian

The painter Marcel Janko constructed masks that, according to Ball, inspired "passionate gesture, bordering on madness".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sarah's rage, genuine if also bordering on madness, is pedantically precise in its choice of symbols.

The New York Times - Books

The failure of the Charter in 1848 marked the beginning of the end for O'Connor, whose egocentricity was already bordering on madness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For months after the birth of our first child, my wife and I were in a mental state bordering on madness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Two decades after the end of the Cold War, it is bordering on madness to maintain systems requiring launch decisions in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or days.

The New York Times

So it is that the story of Rupert Murdoch and News Corp has been characterised by big risks – often ridiculed as bordering on madness by respectable business opinion at the time – aimed at taking on establishment incumbents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "border on madness", ensure the context clearly establishes the subject's deviation from rationality, making the phrase's intensity appropriate for the described situation.

Common error

Avoid using "border on madness" in situations that are merely eccentric or unconventional. The phrase is strong and should be reserved for cases where the behavior or situation is genuinely approaching a state of extreme irrationality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "border on madness" functions primarily as a predicate within a sentence, often modifying a subject to describe its state or qualities. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing behaviors, situations, or even artistic expressions nearing a state of irrationality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "border on madness" is a descriptive term used to characterize situations, behaviors, or ideas that are close to being irrational or insane. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly common, it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its intensity and avoid misusing it as a mere hyperbole for eccentric or unconventional situations. Related phrases include "verge on insanity" and "approach insanity", each conveying a slightly different nuance. In essence, "border on madness" is a potent descriptor that should be wielded with precision to accurately convey a state nearing extreme irrationality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge on insanity

This phrase is very close in meaning, suggesting a state that is just about to cross over into insanity.

almost insane

This directly expresses being close to a state of insanity.

approach insanity

This suggests a gradual movement towards a state of insanity.

akin to lunacy

This uses a different term for madness (lunacy) to describe a similar state.

resemble insanity

This emphasizes the similarity to insane behavior or states, but may not imply proximity.

reminiscent of insanity

This evokes the idea of insanity by making a comparison or bringing insanity to mind.

appear insane

This highlights how something seems to an observer, focusing on perception rather than actual mental state.

echo madness

This signifies a less direct likeness to madness, suggesting a more metaphorical connection.

hint at madness

This phrase indicates a subtle suggestion of madness, rather than a near state.

verge on hysteria

This suggests the state is approaching uncontrolled emotion or excitement that can be irrational.

FAQs

How can I use "border on madness" in a sentence?

You can use "border on madness" to describe behaviors or situations that are very close to being irrational or insane. For example, "His dedication to the project "borders on madness", as he works day and night without rest".

What are some alternatives to "border on madness"?

Alternatives include "verge on insanity", "approach insanity", or "almost insane". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "border on madness" in formal writing?

While "border on madness" can be used in formal writing, it's important to consider the audience and context. It is generally suitable for analytical or descriptive pieces where you need to convey a sense of extreme irrationality or near insanity. However, it is less appropriate in overly technical or scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "border on madness" and "slightly eccentric"?

"Border on madness" indicates a state very close to insanity or extreme irrationality, while "slightly eccentric" describes behavior that is merely unconventional or a bit odd. The former is far more intense and should be reserved for situations that warrant such strong language.