drive someone crazy: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘drive someone crazy’ mean?
The idiom "drive someone crazy" means to cause someone to become extremely annoyed, frustrated, or mentally unstable.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run someone off their feet" means to keep someone extremely busy or overwhelmed with work or tasks.
The idiom "drive someone up the wall" means to irritate, annoy, or frustrate someone to the point of exasperation or anger.
The idiom "drive out" means to force someone or something to leave a place or situation forcefully or aggressively.
For example, "The protestors were determined to drive out the corrupt politician from office."
When used as an idiom, "drive off" means to leave quickly or abruptly in a vehicle. It is often used to describe someone leaving a place in a hurry.
The idiom "drive away" means to force someone or something to leave a place or to cause something to disappear or lessen in value or importance.
The idiom "curl someone's hair" means to shock, scare, or deeply disturb someone.
The idiom "crack up" means to burst into uncontrollable laughter or to mentally or emotionally collapse due to stress or pressure.
The idiom "cook someone's goose" means to ruin someone's plans or cause their downfall.
The idiom "come unhinged" means to lose one's emotional or mental stability, often resulting in erratic or unpredictable behavior.
Psychological turmoil under illusion
The idiom "drive someone crazy" is a common expression in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something makes another person feel extremely frustrated, annoyed, or irritated. The idiom suggests that the person or thing causing the annoyance is causing the individual to lose their mental composure or sanity. While its exact origin remains unclear, it is commonly understood and used in various contexts.
The idiom "drive someone up the wall" is another related expression that conveys a similar meaning. It implies that the person or thing causing the frustration is pushing the individual to their limits. This idiom emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and exasperated by someone or something.
In addition, there is the idiom "do someone's head in," which also expresses a sense of annoyance or frustration. While slightly less common, this idiom suggests that the person or situation is causing mental distress or confusion. It signifies the impact of someone or something on an individual's cognitive well-being.
The idiom "drive away" is yet another expression related to driving someone crazy. This phrase implies that someone or something's actions or behavior cause another person to want to distance themselves or move away physically or emotionally. It indicates the effect of annoying or frustrating behavior on relationships or interactions.
Lastly, the idiom "run someone off their feet" relates to the concept of driving someone crazy. This phrase signifies overwhelming someone with constant demands or tasks, often leading to a state of exhaustion or mental strain. It depicts the impact of a busy or demanding situation on an individual's well-being.
These related idioms demonstrate different ways in which someone or something can cause frustration or annoyance. They highlight the complexity of human emotions and the challenges we face in our daily lives. Whether it's the feeling of being pushed to our limits, mentally distressed, wanting to distance ourselves, or being overwhelmed with tasks, these idioms capture the common experiences we all encounter.
Example usage
1. She has been playing the same song on repeat all day, and it is starting to drive me crazy.
2. The constant barking of the neighbor's dog is driving us crazy.
3. His endless questions at the meeting were driving everyone crazy.
More "Mental" idioms
