lose their mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose their mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming extremely upset, confused, or irrational, often due to stress or overwhelming situations. Example: "After working long hours without a break, I felt like I was about to lose my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It's enough to make someone lose their mind," he said.

The New Yorker

"People lose their mind when they see it," Freeman says.

The Washington Post

Costello: I've seen people, quite eminent people, completely lose their mind in his company.

The Washington Post

These guys get in front of Pat Riley, and he shows them those rings and they lose their mind.

The New York Times

And foreign governments would absolutely lose their mind if the Fed followed such a course.But foreign governments weren't particularly happy when President Nixon closed the gold window either.

The Economist

But you put them in a madness asylum they get madder and madder and completely lose their mind, whereas if you work with them, they get better".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Plainly put, prisoners often lose their minds".

The New York Times

People would lose their minds".

The New York Times - Tech

They'll lose their minds.

The Guardian - Music

"The Assad people will lose their minds," Mr. Moaz said.

The New York Times

Postal codes were making these people lose their minds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose their mind" to vividly describe situations where someone reacts irrationally or with extreme emotion, making your writing more engaging and relatable.

Common error

While "lose their mind" is acceptable, it's more informal. In formal contexts, opt for phrases like "become irrational" or "lose control" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose their mind" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a state of extreme emotional or mental distress or excitement. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose their mind" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe someone experiencing extreme emotional distress, irrationality, or excitement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its prevalence across various media. While generally acceptable, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts, with more formal alternatives available for professional writing. Its communicative power lies in its ability to vividly convey heightened emotional states. When in doubt, choose the most appropriate phrase depending on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go crazy

A more general term for losing control emotionally or mentally.

lose it

Shorter, more common way to express losing control.

flip out

Informal term for becoming very angry or excited.

go off the rails

Suggests a deviation from normal behavior.

become hysterical

Implies a state of uncontrolled emotion, often fear or excitement.

fall apart

Indicates emotional collapse or breakdown.

become unhinged

Implies a loss of mental stability.

go bananas

Informal way to say someone became extremely excited or agitated.

reach the end of their rope

Implies a state of desperation and inability to cope.

crack up

Suggests a breakdown, often in a humorous context.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone will "lose their mind"?

Saying someone will "lose their mind" means they will become extremely upset, confused, or irrational, often due to stress, excitement, or an overwhelming situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lose their mind"?

The phrase "lose their mind" is suitable for informal conversations, creative writing, and news reporting where a vivid description of someone's emotional state is desired. Avoid it in formal academic or business writing.

What are some alternatives to "lose their mind"?

You can use alternatives like "go crazy", "become hysterical", or "lose it" depending on the context. These alternatives offer similar meanings but might be more or less appropriate depending on the formality of the situation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lose their mind"?

Yes, "lose their mind" is grammatically correct and a commonly used idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in various contexts.