lose one's head

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /luːz wʌnz hɛd/

Verb

lose one's head (third-person singular simple present loses one's head, present participle losing one's head, simple past and past participle lost one's head)

1. (figuratively) To be killed, usually in a gruesome manner.
2. (idiomatic) To behave irrationally or to lose one's self-control, especially in a distressing situation or as a result of falling in love.
   • 1884, Henry James, The Author of Beltraffio, ch. 4:

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

   • 1914, D. H. Lawrence, "A Sick Collier" in The Prussian Officer and Other Stories:

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

   • 2003, Bill Keller, "Walter Sisulu, Mandela Mentor and Comrade, Dies at 90," New York Times, 6 May (retrieved 12 Dec. 2009):

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

3. (idiomatic) To be dismissed from a job.