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Go off the deep end
To go off the deep end describes a sudden emotional reaction, like panicking or overreacting.The phrase comes from swimming pools. The deep end is the part where the water is too deep to stand in.
He went off the deep end when the plans changed at the last minute.
Odd one out
The odd one out means a person or thing that doesn't fit with the others in a group, and stands out.The phrase comes from simple sorting games. Players pick the item that does not belong.
With everyone else wearing uniforms, he felt like the odd one out in his bright jacket.
Off the beaten path
Off the beaten path means a place that is quiet, unusual, or not visited by many people. It often describes locations that are away from busy roads, popular attractions, or crowded tourist areas.The phrase comes from the idea of a path that becomes worn or "beaten" by many people walking on it. A place off that path is somewhere fewer people have traveled.
We found a small café off the beaten path that served the best food on our trip.
Off the hook
To be off the hook means that someone is no longer responsible for something or no longer in trouble. It is often used when a person escapes blame.The phrase comes from early telephones. The receiver rested on a small hook when the phone was not in use, and lifting it started the call. If the receiver was left off the hook, the phone line stayed busy, which led to the expression being used in a figurative way.
When the meeting was canceled, she was finally off the hook for giving the presentation.
Off the rails
To go off the rails means that something has gone badly wrong or out of control. This idiom is used when a plan, situation, or a person's behavior stops following the expected path.The expression comes from railway accidents. If a train's wheels leave the metal rails that guide it, the train can no longer move safely along the track and the journey quickly becomes dangerous to anyone on or near the train.
The meeting went off the rails once everyone started arguing.
Off the top of my head
Off the top of my head means giving an answer without stopping to think deeply or check the details.The phrase appeared in English in the early 1900s. It suggests a thought coming straight from the head without careful preparation.
Just off the top of my head, I think those cost about ten dollars.
Off with the fairies
To be away with the fairies means you are distracted, daydreaming or not paying attention.She's meant to be studying, but I think she's away with the fairies.
On a short leash
On a short leash means being closely controlled or carefully watched by someone in authority. A person on a short leash is not given much freedom to act on their own.The idiom is derived from the notion of walking a dog with a very short leash. When the leash is short, the dog must stay close to its owner and cannot run off.
After missing several deadlines, he was kept on a short leash by his manager.
On cloud nine
The phrase on cloud nine means feeling extremely happy and joyful.The phrase comes from an old system of naming clouds. Cloud nine was imagined as very high, which became linked with a feeling of great happiness.
She was on cloud nine after hearing the news.
On the fence
If you are on the fence you cannot decide what side of an argument or decision you are going to take. It comes from a literal description of someone on a fence between two properties. This idiom is used to represent indecision.She was on the fence about changing jobs.