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out of control
/aʊt əv kənˈtroʊl/
unable to be controlled
The situation quickly got out of control.
The situation became chaotic and uncontrollable.
informal
Unable to be controlled or managed; chaotic or uncontrollable.
The children were out of control at the party.
The children were behaving wildly and could not be managed.
The fire spread out of control.
The fire grew uncontrollably and could not be stopped.
Often used to describe situations, people, or events that have become chaotic or uncontrollable.
Collocations
get out of controlto become uncontrollablego out of controlto become chaotic or uncontrollable
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
This phrase is often used to describe situations that have become chaotic or uncontrollable, such as a party, a fire, or a person's emotions.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use 'out of control' to describe situations, people, or events that are chaotic or uncontrollable. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects that cannot be controlled by nature.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the preposition 'out of' with the adjective 'control,' emphasizing a lack of regulation or management.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe situations, people, or events that have become chaotic or uncontrollable. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotions or behaviors that are difficult to manage.
Word Breakdown
out of
indicates a lack or absence of
prepositional phrasecontrol
the ability to manage or regulate something
nounEnglish Dictionary