round the bend
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective (Predicative): Informal or slang term meaning mentally irregular, insane, or crazy. This expression describes someone whose behavior or thinking is considered extremely irrational, eccentric, or out of touch with reality.
Usage
- This phrase is exclusively used in informal, colloquial contexts. It is considered slang and can be humorous, derogatory, or descriptive depending on tone and context.
- It functions as a predicative adjective, meaning it typically comes after a linking verb like "be," "go," or "drive."
- It is a fixed idiom; the words are not used in their literal sense.
Examples
- "After the third day without sleep, I thought I was going round the bend."
- "The constant noise from the construction site is driving me round the bend!"
- "Some of his conspiracy theories make him sound completely round the bend."
Advanced Usage
- "to drive someone round the bend": A common construction meaning to irritate or frustrate someone to the point of madness.
- Example: "Her constant complaining drives her colleagues round the bend."
Variants and Related Words
- Round the twist: A very similar British slang idiom with the same meaning.
- Example: "He's gone completely round the twist."
- Barmy (adj.): Another informal British term for crazy or foolish.
- Balmy (adj.): An alternative spelling of "barmy" with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Crazy
- Insane
- Mad
- Bonkers (informal)
- Loony (informal)
Related Idioms
- Off one's rocker: Another informal idiom meaning crazy or insane.
- Out to lunch: Slang implying someone is not thinking clearly or is detached from reality.
- Not playing with a full deck: A humorous idiom suggesting someone lacks intelligence or sanity.
Adjective
- informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
- it used to drive my husband balmy