Definition

Noun: 1. A rapid, uncontrolled, and steeply descending spiral or dive of an aircraft. 2. A state of severe emotional upset, confusion, or panic; a situation of sudden collapse or chaos.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal - aviation):
  • The engine failure sent the plane into a terrifying tailspin.
  • The pilot struggled to pull the aircraft out of its tailspin.
• Noun (figurative - emotional/chaotic state):
  • The sudden bad news sent her into an emotional tailspin.
  • The company went into a tailspin after the CEO resigned unexpectedly.

Advanced Usage

• "to go into a tailspin": This is the most common phrase used with both meanings. It describes the act of entering a state of rapid, uncontrolled descent or collapse.
  • The stock market went into a tailspin after the announcement.
  • His mental health went into a tailspin following the accident.
• "to be in a tailspin": Describes the ongoing state of chaos or descent.
  • The project has been in a tailspin since the lead designer left.

Variants and Related Words

• Tailspin (verb, less common): To go into or be in a tailspin.
  • The economy tailspinned after the crisis.
• Spin (noun/verb): A more general term for a rotating descent or a state of confusion, often used interchangeably with "tailspin" in figurative contexts.
  • He was in a spin trying to meet the deadline.

Synonyms

• (For the emotional/chaotic state): Panic, frenzy, turmoil, upheaval, collapse, freefall, nosedive (figurative).
• (For the aviation maneuver): Dive, spiral, nosedive.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To send someone/something into a tailspin": To cause someone or something to enter a state of chaos or collapse.
  • The critical review sent the young actor into a tailspin.
• "To pull out of a tailspin": To recover from a state of chaos or decline. This phrase originates from aviation but is commonly used figuratively.
  • With a new strategy, the company hopes to pull out of its financial tailspin.

Noun

1. rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral
2. loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse