carried away: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "carried away" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to describe a state of being overly excited or enthusiastic, to the point of losing control of one's emotions.

The origin and etymology of the idiom can be traced back to the literal meaning of the phrase. "Carried away" refers to physically being transported or moved forcefully from one place to another. This idea of being taken away by an external force is metaphorically extended to describe the emotional aspect of losing oneself in a particular situation or experience.

When someone is carried away, they often become so absorbed in their thoughts or actions that they lose sight of their surroundings or forget about their responsibilities. This can occur in a wide range of contexts, from being caught up in the excitement of a sporting event or live performance, to becoming overly enthusiastic about a new idea or project, to being overwhelmed by strong emotions such as love or anger.

The idiom is frequently used to describe instances where individuals allow their emotions or impulses to dictate their behavior, without considering the potential consequences.

One example of how the idiom is commonly used is in the context of shopping or spending money. When someone goes on a shopping spree and purchases far more than they intended or can afford, they may be described as being carried away by their desire to acquire goods or by the thrill of the shopping experience.

Another related idiom that carries a similar meaning is "go wild." This expression is often used to describe a state of excitement or enthusiasm where one is unable to control their actions or behavior. When someone is carried away, they may also be said to "go wild" with their emotions or impulses, showing a lack of restraint or moderation.

Similarly, the idiom "caught up" can be related to being carried away. When someone is caught up in a situation, they become engrossed or deeply involved in it, often to the point where they lose track of time or their surroundings. This sense of being caught up can also describe the state of being carried away by one's emotions or impulses.

The idiom "carried away" is commonly used to describe a state of being overly excited or enthusiastic to the point of losing control of one's emotions. It conveys a sense of being swept up in the moment and acting impulsively. The idiom's origin can be traced back to its literal meaning of being physically transported or moved forcefully, which has been metaphorically extended to describe the emotional aspect of losing oneself in a particular situation or experience. It is frequently used to describe instances where individuals allow their emotions or impulses to dictate their behavior, without considering the potential consequences. The related idioms "go wild" and "caught up" further emphasize the lack of self-restraint or moderation that can be associated with being carried away.