Go ape Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈeɪp
GOH AYP
ɡˈəʊ/ /ˈeɪp
gOH AYP
Definition
To suddenly become extremely angry or excited, often in a wild or uncontrolled way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often humorous. 'Go ape' is used for strong emotional reactions, both anger ('go ape at someone') and excitement. Not literal—avoid in very formal or academic contexts. Sometimes replaced by 'go bananas' (very similar meaning).
Spanish: volverse loco - enfurecersePortuguese (BR): ficar louco - surtarPortuguese (PT): ficar maluco - passar-seChinese (Simplified): 发疯 - 勃然大怒Chinese (Traditional): 發瘋 - 勃然大怒Hindi: बहुत गुस्से में आना - पागल हो जानाArabic: يستشيط غضباً - يجنّBengali: পাগল হয়ে যাওয়া - অত্যন্ত রেগে যাওয়াRussian: сойти с ума - взбеситьсяJapanese: 激しく怒る - 発狂するVietnamese: phát điên lên - nổi giận dữ dộiKorean: 미쳐버리다 - 화를 내다Turkish: çılgına dönmekUrdu: پاگل ہو جانا - بہت غصے میں آ جاناIndonesian: jadi gila - marah besar
Example Sentences
My parents go ape if I come home late.
basic
He went ape when he saw the mess in the kitchen.
basic
The kids go ape over ice cream.
basic
If she finds out we broke her vase, she’ll go ape.
natural
Fans went ape when the band finally came on stage.
natural
Don’t go ape over a small mistake—it’s not the end of the world.
natural