go haywire
Meaning: To malfunction; to break down.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: Similar to: at the end of (one's) rope; go bananas; at (one's) wits' end; go to pieces. Go haywire is generally applied to machines, whereas go bananas is more humorous and is restricted to people.
More idioms — The Absurd
- go off half-cocked — To do or say something in haste or without adequate planning or preparation.
- go off the deep end — To become deeply involved with someone or something before one is ready; to go crazy.
- go over with a bang — To be extremely successful.
- go over like a lead balloon — To be completely unsuccessful, contrary to expectations; to fail.
- go to pieces — To fall apart physically or emotionally; to lose one's self-control.
- go up in smoke — To disappear; to be ruined.
More English idioms
- go it alone — To travel some path or do some activity by oneself, often something dangerous or risky.
- go out on a limb — To take a risk.
- go to the dogs — To fall into disrepair; to deteriorate.
- go with the flow — To take a relaxed attitude towards life.
- golden age — A time when something is at its best.
- good grief! — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!".
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