What does “Go Ballistic” mean?
"Go Ballistic" means to become extremely angry or lose control.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When he found out about the betrayal, he went ballistic and started yelling.
Example
The coach went ballistic when the team lost the game.
Example
She went ballistic when she saw the mess in the kitchen
Is “Go Ballistic” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go Ballistic” 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 Ballistic” effectively in context?
You can use "Go Ballistic" to describe someone's extreme anger or loss of control in a situation. It emphasizes the intensity of their reaction. For example, if a friend gets furious after discovering a betrayal, you might say, 'He went ballistic and started yelling.'
- 1Betrayal
When he found out about the betrayal, he went ballistic and started yelling.
- 2Sports
The coach went ballistic when the team lost the game.
- 3Messy Situation
She went ballistic when she saw the mess in the kitchen.
Similar phrases to “Go Ballistic”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go Ballistic” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go Ballistic" is unknown.
Is “Go Ballistic” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go Ballistic" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's explosive anger or loss of control in a situation.
What tone does “Go Ballistic” have?
"Go Ballistic" conveys a tone of extreme anger or frustration. It's often used to emphasize the intensity of someone's reaction.
Can “Go Ballistic” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go Ballistic" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes extreme anger or loss of control. 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 ballistic and started throwing things.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He just "went ballistic"!' to imply someone's extreme anger.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- lose it
- have a meltdown
- get furious
- go crazy
- flip out
- lose your cool
Antonyms
- stay calm
- remain composed
- keep one's cool
- stay level-headed
- control one's anger