Phrase guide

off the rails

prep_phrase · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

In an abnormal manner, especially in a manner that causes damage or malfunctioning.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Insane.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

Off the intended path.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

Out of control.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

prep_phrase

Meaning 5

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see off, rail.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Suggesting the derailment of a locomotive.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: poissa raiteiltaan — in an abnormal manner
  • Finnish: ei raiteillaan — in an abnormal manner
  • Icelandic: út af sporinu — in an abnormal manner
  • Italian: fuori dai gangheri — in an abnormal manner
  • Polish: postrzelony — in an abnormal manner
  • Polish: stuknięty — in an abnormal manner
  • Polish: ekscentryczny — in an abnormal manner
  • Russian: сойти с рельсов (sojti s relʹsov) — in an abnormal manner
  • Swedish: spåra ur — in an abnormal manner
  • Swedish: urspårad — in an abnormal manner
  • Polish: na złą drogę — (idiomatic) Off the intended path.
  • Spanish: descarrilar — (idiomatic) Off the intended path.
  • Spanish: descarriar — (idiomatic) Off the intended path.
  • Spanish: de los rieles — (idiomatic) Off the intended path.
  • Spanish: del rail — (idiomatic) Off the intended path.