IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishlose one's marbles
Meaning: To go crazy.
Example: “Talking to the tomatoes doesn't mean Grandpa has lost his marbles.”
Origin: "Marbles" for wits is American slang from the late 19th century, perhaps from a child's grief at losing the game's marbles, or from a mishearing of French "meubles," one's furniture and so one's belongings.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: perder la chaveta Literally: To lose the pin
More English idioms
- with only the clothes on one's back With no possessions at all.
- well, I never! An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
- luck out To have unexpected good luck.
- the heart of the matter The most important part of an issue.
- put in one's two cents To give one's opinion, whether or not it was asked for.
- play cat and mouse To toy with someone one has power over.
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