What does “Go Ape” mean?

"Go Ape" means to become very angry or lose control of one's emotions.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He went ape when he found out he was fired.

Example

I can't believe she went ape over such a small mistake.

Example

The crowd went ape when their team scored the winning goal

Is “Go Ape” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Go Ape” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Go Ape” effectively in context?

You can use "Go Ape" to describe someone becoming very angry or losing control of their emotions. It emphasizes a strong and intense reaction. For example, if a friend gets extremely angry after receiving bad news, you might say, 'He went ape when he found out he was fired.'

1Personal Relationships
She went ape when she discovered her partner had been lying to her.
2Work
The boss went ape when he saw the mess in the office.
3Sports
The coach went ape when the team lost the championship game.

Similar phrases to “Go Ape”:

Blow a fuse

To become extremely angry or lose control of one's temper

Example

He blew a fuse when he saw the damage to his car.

Lose one's cool

To become angry or lose control of one's emotions

Example

She lost her cool when she realized she had missed her flight.

Fly off the handle

To suddenly become very angry or lose control of one's temper

Example

He flew off the handle when his computer crashed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Go Ape” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Go Ape" is unknown.

Is “Go Ape” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Go Ape" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's extreme anger or emotional outburst.

What tone does “Go Ape” have?

"Go Ape" conveys a tone of intensity and exaggeration. It's often used to emphasize the magnitude of someone's anger or emotional reaction.

Can “Go Ape” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Go Ape" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes strong emotions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He went ape when he heard the news.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He just went "ape"!' to imply someone's extreme emotional reaction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

stay calm
keep one's cool
remain composed
stay collected
control one's emotions