What does “Lose your marbles” mean?
"Lose your marbles" means to become crazy or lose one's sanity.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the accident, he started to lose his marbles and couldn't remember anything.
Example
She's been under so much stress lately, I'm worried she might lose her marbles.
Example
The old man used to be sharp, but now he's lost his marbles and can't even hold a conversation
Is “Lose your marbles” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lose your marbles” 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 “Lose your marbles” effectively in context?
You can use "Lose your marbles" to describe someone who is becoming crazy or losing their sanity. It's often used in a lighthearted or humorous way, but it can also be used to express genuine concern for someone's mental state. For example, if a friend is acting strangely, you might say, 'I think he's starting to lose his marbles.'
- 1Health
After the accident, he started to lose his marbles and couldn't remember anything.
- 2Stress
She's been under so much stress lately, I'm worried she might lose her marbles.
- 3Aging
The old man used to be sharp, but now he's lost his marbles and can't even hold a conversation.
Similar phrases to “Lose your marbles”:
Go bananas
To become crazy or lose control
Example
The stress of the situation made him go bananas.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lose your marbles” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lose your marbles" is unknown.
Is “Lose your marbles” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Lose your marbles" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is acting crazy or irrational.
What tone does “Lose your marbles” have?
"Lose your marbles" conveys a tone of humor or concern, depending on the context. It can be used playfully to tease someone or to express genuine worry about their mental state.
Can “Lose your marbles” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Lose your marbles" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as professional discussions or writing.
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's starting to lose his marbles and forget things.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like he's losing his marbles!' to imply someone's strange behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- go nuts
- go insane
- lose your mind
- flip out
- be bonkers
Antonyms
- stay sane
- keep it together
- remain composed
- stay rational
- keep your wits about you
