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off the rails. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
off the rails, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
off the rails in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
off the rails you have here. The definition of the word
off the rails will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Etymology
Suggesting the derailment of a locomotive.
Pronunciation
Prepositional phrase
off the rails
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see off, rail.
2024 February 21, “Safety changes recommended after train hits collapsed wall”, in RAIL, number 1003, page 19:The train did not come off the rails and nobody was injured.
- (idiomatic) In an abnormal manner, especially in a manner that causes damage or malfunctioning
- (idiomatic) Insane.
- (idiomatic) Off the intended path.
2009 July 13, Ed Bentley, “Lenin 1, Tsar Nicholas 0 – but Sheremetyevo-3”, in Moscow News:... but the plan came off the rails when infuriated Communists called it "ideological provocation" and warned against "kindling political confrontation
2022 August 10, Mel Holley, “Network News: Question marks over TransPennine upgrade spending”, in RAIL, number 963, page 24:"The DfT appears to have put things on a firmer footing, but the path is littered with cautionary tales of transport projects that later went off the rails.
- (idiomatic) Out of control.
2009 July 10, Jenny Johnston, “You won't catch us going to rehab: So have the young stars of Harry Potter turned into superbrats?”, in Daily Mail:I reckon it's pretty astonishing that none of us did go off the rails. There really was no telling how any of us would deal with the pressures and the fame.
Usage notes
- Most commonly used with the verb "to go", but also with forms of "to be", "to come", etc.
Translations