
IdiomThe Absurd
Spanish
fuera de sí
Meaning: to be in a state of extreme emotion, either elation or distress, such that one loses composure.
Literally: Outside of oneself
Example: “Estaba fuera de sí cuando vio el coche rayado.” — He was beside himself when he saw the scratched car.
English equivalent: Beside oneself
Equivalents in other languages
English: beside oneself
Origin: Literally "outside oneself": someone carried away by rage, joy or shock no longer seems to be inside their own skin. The phrase is ordinary Spanish, matched by English "beside oneself," and has no particular story behind it.
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