To Go Bananas Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

“When someone goes bananas, it means they are acting irrationally or with extreme rage. This behaviour could be triggered by strong emotions, either positive or negative. Despite the term’s association with the fruit, it actually has a connection to gorillas in its origin.” 

There is some debate over who exactly coined the expression. It is generally agreed that it originated with a number of college student organisations in the 1960s. America was experiencing a period of significant social movements and protests. People used to claim that others were “going ape” about various ideas, and gradually the phrase changed to “going bananas.” The phrase has its roots in the way that gorillas are observed to physically “go ape” when given bananas.

Usage with Examples

Given below are examples of the idiom:

• The crowd went bananas in excitement to meet the new actor.
• She’ll go banana if she sees we ruined her new dress.
• Tony went banana in excitement over the presents his mom got him.
• Students are going bananas over the lack of options available to choose what they want.
• All of the girls became ecstatic and went bananas at the mall the moment they saw a glimpse of their favourite dancer.

Also Read: Break the Ice- Idiom

To Go Bananas Synonyms

Given below are the synonyms of the idiom:

• hit the roof
• be furious
• be very angry
• breathe fire
• go ape
• go crazy
• go wild
• be hopping mad
• blow a fuse
• flip

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Meaning Quiz

Rachel went bananas on seeing her best friend enjoying herself with other people and leaving Rachel.

• enjoying herself with other people and leaving Rachel.
• Eat fruits
• Dance in rain

Answer: enjoying herself with other people and leaving Rachel.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom “To Go Bananas” meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used and what sort of feeling or meaning it conveys. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.