go off the rails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go off the rails" is a valid and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone (or something) that has become chaotic or chaotic, especially as a result of bad decision-making. For example: "With the budget so tight, the whole project quickly went off the rails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

People go off the rails in times of recession.

The New Yorker

The main dishes, however, go off the rails.

The New York Times

F., Manhattan Sometimes people go off the rails.

The New York Times

"We're allowing you to go off the rails," says Blundell.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a boy about to go off the rails.

The New York Times

Just so, Haass now says of Egypt's political eruption: "This could go off the rails.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Now we have gone off the rails.

The Economist

Then the auction went off the rails.

The New York Times

Is Bieber going off the rails?

The Guardian - Music

Is your campaign going off the rails?

The Guardian

Basically I went off the rails.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go off the rails", ensure the context clearly indicates a deviation from a previously established norm or expected behavior. This idiom is most effective when there's a clear sense of order or stability that has been disrupted.

Common error

Avoid using "go off the rails" to describe minor inconveniences or slight deviations from plans. This idiom implies a significant loss of control or a serious disruption, not just a minor setback.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "go off the rails" is as a verb phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing a subject's action of losing control or deviating from a planned course. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing projects, people's behavior, and even political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go off the rails" is a common and acceptable idiomatic verb phrase used to describe something or someone becoming uncontrolled or chaotic. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is widely used in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While generally informal, it is found across a range of sources. Understanding the nuance of "go off the rails"—its implication of a deviation from a norm rather than a slight error—is essential for its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derail

Implies a sudden and complete failure, often in plans or projects.

spiral out of control

Highlights a worsening situation that is increasingly difficult to manage.

go awry

Suggests a deviation from the intended course, often subtly.

get out of hand

Indicates a situation that has become unmanageable.

fall apart

Indicates a gradual disintegration or collapse.

go to pieces

Similar to 'fall apart' but often refers to a person's emotional state.

lose it

Indicates a sudden loss of control, often emotional.

go haywire

Suggests a chaotic malfunction or breakdown.

run amok

Implies uncontrolled, often destructive, behavior.

become unhinged

Suggests a mental or emotional instability.

FAQs

How can I use "go off the rails" in a sentence?

You can use "go off the rails" to describe situations or people that have become chaotic or unpredictable. For example, "The project went off the rails due to budget cuts" or "He started to go off the rails after losing his job".

What's a less common way to say "go off the rails"?

Alternatives to "go off the rails" include "derail", "go awry", or "spiral out of control". These alternatives offer slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is "go off the rails" formal or informal?

"Go off the rails" is generally considered an informal idiom. While it's acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might call for alternatives like "deteriorate" or "devolve".

What causes something to "go off the rails"?

Things "go off the rails" due to various factors such as poor planning, unexpected events, or lack of control. The idiom emphasizes the loss of stability and direction.