How to Pronounce "off the rails"
expression
ˈɔf/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹeɪɫz
AWF thuh RAYLZ
ˈɒf/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈeɪlz
OF thuh RAYLZ
Definition
When something or someone is 'off the rails,' it means they have lost control or are behaving in a wild or chaotic way. It is often used for situations, plans, or people that are not following normal rules or expectations anymore.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɔf/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹeɪɫz
British English
ˈɒf/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈeɪlz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
AWF thuh RAYLZ
UK
OF thuh RAYLZ
Listen in Context
After losing his job, he went off the rails for a while.
The party started fine but quickly went off the rails.
Her behavior at school has gone off the rails lately.
It all seemed normal until things suddenly went off the rails.