imagination gone wild

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imagination gone wild" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone's creativity or fantasy has become excessive or uncontrolled. For example, "The artist's latest work is a reflection of her imagination gone wild, filled with vibrant colors and surreal shapes." Alternative expressions include "unbridled imagination" and "wild creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

My imagination goes wild.

The Guardian - Music

My imagination went wild, making these stories heart-thumpingly scarier and scarier.

The Guardian

Mr. MacShane's mother, Heather MacShane, said she had her worried moments — "your imagination goes wild" — but was thrilled that her son had been able to go.

The New York Times

He encouraged Indy-Girl to "talk dirty" and "let your imagination go wild," but she cut him off, explaining, "I'm not the cyber type".

The New Yorker

This started out as a simple guesthouse, then my contractor's son said, 'Oh, it looks like a hobbit house.' Then my imagination went wild.

The New York Times

DS: Yes, you can even do it backward and really let your imagination go wild.

TechCrunch

King's imagination went wild as he wandered the abandoned hallways, ate alone in the grand dining room and talked up the bartender.

BBC

Let your imagination go wild.

Huffington Post

Those two book series take you on adventures and make your imagination go wild!

Huffington Post

So on the one hand you don't worry enough; and on the other, you can worry too much and your imagination goes wild.

Vice

Although their pep talks were a comfort, they also added a knot of nerves to my stomach as my imagination went wild thinking of how traumatic this trip could be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imagination gone wild" to describe a situation where someone's creativity or fantasy has become excessive, potentially leading to unrealistic or impractical ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "imagination gone wild" in contexts where creativity and free thinking are purely positive. The phrase often implies a lack of control or a detachment from reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagination gone wild" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a state where someone's imaginative thoughts have become excessive, unrestrained, or unrealistic. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imagination gone wild" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate an overactive, unrestrained, or unrealistic imagination. Ludwig shows that it is grammatically correct but appears relatively infrequently in published sources, predominantly in news and media. While useful for expressing concern or amusement regarding someone's fanciful thoughts, it is crucial to consider the connotation. Alternatives like "unbridled creativity" or "vivid imagination" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrolled imagination

Directly indicates that the imagination is not being managed or limited.

untethered imagination

Replaces "gone wild" with "untethered", highlighting the lack of constraints on imagination.

excessive imagination

Focuses on the overabundance of imagination, replacing "gone wild" with "excessive".

unbridled creativity

Substitutes "imagination" with "creativity" and "gone wild" with "unbridled", emphasizing lack of restraint.

unchecked fantasy

Replaces "imagination" with "fantasy" and removes "gone wild" for a simpler expression of something not restrained.

rampant fantasy

Replaces "imagination" with "fantasy" and "gone wild" with "rampant", suggesting widespread and uncontrolled thoughts.

extravagant imagination

Suggests that imagination is lavish and unrestrained, going beyond normal boundaries.

free-flowing fantasy

Highlights the unrestricted and continuous nature of the fantasy.

flights of fancy

A more idiomatic expression suggesting whimsical and imaginative thoughts.

wildest dreams

Focuses on the most extreme and unrestrained aspects of one's dreams or imaginings.

FAQs

How can I use "imagination gone wild" in a sentence?

You can use "imagination gone wild" to describe a situation where someone's creativity has become excessive or unrealistic. For example, "After reading the fantasy novel, her "imagination had gone wild", and she started believing in magic."

What's a less critical way to describe someone's vivid imagination?

Instead of saying someone's "imagination gone wild", which can sound negative, try phrases like "vivid imagination", "rich inner world", or "creative mind".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "imagination gone wild"?

Use "imagination gone wild" when you want to suggest that someone's imagination has become excessive, unrealistic, or even delusional. It's suitable when creativity borders on the absurd or impractical.

What is the difference between "active imagination" and "imagination gone wild"?

"Active imagination" suggests a healthy and vibrant creative mind, while "imagination gone wild" implies that the imagination is uncontrolled and possibly leading to unrealistic or irrational thoughts.