Behavior Idioms

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lose one’s head

Meaning: To lose self-control; panic or act irrationally.

Example: During the fire drill, some students lost their heads and rushed toward the wrong exit. (panic / irrational) Read more ➺


as mad as a hatter

Meaning: it refers to someone being completely crazy

Example: The way he dressed for the event, he must be as mad as a hatter. Read more ➺


method to madness

Meaning: a purpose in doing something that is seemingly crazy

Example: You may be thinking that I have gone crazy, but there's a method to my madness. Read more ➺


dog in the manger

Meaning: A selfish person who will not use something but will not let others use it either.

Example: Mark never reads the old books in his office, yet he refuses to lend them to anyone—a real dog in the manger. Read more ➺


dos and don’ts

Meaning: rules about what you must do and what you must not do in a specific condition.

Example: In the back of the guide, there's a list of the dos and don'ts of local etiquette. Read more ➺


treat like dirt

Meaning: behave someone very badly without respect

Example: My boss treats all his employees like dirt. Read more ➺


make an ass

Meaning: To behave foolishly and embarrass yourself in front of others.

Example: Michael completely made an ass of himself by arguing loudly with the waiter in a crowded restaurant. Read more ➺


put on airs

Meaning: To behave as if one is more important, richer, or better than others.

Example: After getting promoted, Jake began to put on airs and treated old coworkers differently. Read more ➺


run amuck

Meaning: To behave in a wild, violent, or uncontrolled way.

Example: The malfunctioning robot ran amuck through the warehouse, damaging expensive equipment. Read more ➺


get your act together

Meaning: To organize yourself and behave in a more responsible or effective way.

Example: After missing several deadlines, Mark decided to get your act together and manage his time better. Read more ➺


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