Get Out of Hand Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The phrase “get out of hand” is an idiomatic expression that means a situation or behaviour has become unmanageable, uncontrollable, or excessive. 

When things “get out of hand,” they have surpassed the expected or acceptable limits and may lead to undesirable consequences or chaos. 

It implies that a situation or behaviour has escalated beyond what was initially intended or anticipated, often resulting in difficulties or problems.

Usage with Examples

The phrase “get out of hand” is commonly used in various contexts, It can refer to conflicts or arguments that escalate to a point where they become unmanageable or overly intense. Following are some examples:

• “Our argument started as a small disagreement, but it quickly got out of hand, and we ended up shouting at each other.”
• “I tried to discuss the issue calmly, but my emotions got the better of me, and things got out of hand.”
• “The protest started peacefully, but it eventually got out of hand when a group of individuals began vandalizing property.”

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to the Get Out of Hand 

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to add get out of hand:

• Escalate
• Spiral out of control
• Go awry
• Spinout
• Snowball
• Run amok
• Go haywire
• Go berserk
• Go wild
• Go off the rails

Get Out of Hand Idiom Quiz

The disagreement between Sarah and John started as a minor disagreement, but it quickly ________________. 

a) became more interesting 

b) got resolved 

c) got out of hand 

d) became more productive

Answer: (C)

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom get out of hand meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.