spin out of control

/spɪn aʊt əv kənˈtroʊl/
phrasal verb★Intermediate— to become chaotic or uncontrollable◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To become chaotic, uncontrollable, or out of order
Literal Meaning
To rotate rapidly and lose control
Literal Breakdown
spinto rotate rapidly+out of controlnot under control
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of something rotating rapidly and becoming chaotic, like a spinning top that falls over.
◈ When to Use
A group discussion that starts calmly but quickly turns into shouting and arguments, making it impossible to manage.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom is widely used in English to describe situations that escalate beyond control, often with negative consequences.
informal

To become chaotic, uncontrollable, or out of order

The discussion spun out of control when personal attacks started.

The discussion became chaotic and uncontrollable when personal attacks started.

If we don't act now, the economy could spin out of control.

If we don't act now, the economy could become chaotic and uncontrollable.

💡

Often used to describe situations, events, or emotions that escalate beyond control.

Related Phrases

get out of handidiom
to become uncontrollable
go haywireidiom
to malfunction or become chaotic

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use this phrase to describe situations that escalate beyond control, often with negative consequences.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Rule

This idiom is informal and should be used in casual or conversational contexts.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'spin' (to rotate rapidly) with 'out of control' to create a vivid metaphor for chaos.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe situations that escalate beyond control, often with negative consequences.

Word Breakdown

spin
to rotate rapidly
verb
+
out of control
beyond control or order
phrase
English Dictionary