lose one's head

Definitions

1. To be killed, usually in a gruesome manner.
   figuratively
2. To suffer decapitation.
3. To behave irrationally or to lose one's self-control, especially in a distressing situation or as a result of falling in love.
   idiomatic
4. To be dismissed from a job.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“Mrs. Ambient's grief was frantic; she lost her head and said strange things.”

“Losing his head entirely, the young collier raved like⟳ a madman, what with pain and fear of hospital.”

“He then had to jump⟳, and appears to have⟳ lost his head, as instead of walking the short distance forward⟳ to Slochd to let⟳ the signalman know⟳ what had happened, he started the 6½-mile walk⟳ back to Carrbridge.”

“"He never lost his head in a crisis," Mr. Mandela wrote of his comrade.”

CEFR level