The phrase “around the bend” is a common expression used in the English language. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving strangely or is losing their grip on reality. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of this phrase, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “around the bend” is an idiomatic expression that means someone is behaving in a strange or irrational way. It can also mean that someone is on the verge of losing their mind or has already lost their mind. The phrase is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is acting crazy or irrational.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “around the bend” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase may have originated from the idea of going around a bend in a road, which can be a disorienting experience. It is also possible that the phrase originated from the idea of going around a bend in a river, which can be a dangerous and unpredictable experience.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “around the bend” is included in many dictionaries, and its meaning is generally consistent across different sources. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “crazy or insane,” while Merriam-Webster defines it as “mentally deranged or irrational.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “crazy or mentally ill,” and the Collins English Dictionary defines it as “mad or insane.”
Associations
The phrase “around the bend” is often associated with mental illness, particularly with conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is also associated with eccentricity and unusual behavior, as well as with the idea of losing touch with reality.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for the phrase “around the bend,” including “crazy,” “insane,” “mad,” “deranged,” “unhinged,” “nuts,” “bonkers,” “loony,” and “wacky.” These words all convey a sense of irrational or unusual behavior.
Antonyms
The antonyms of the phrase “around the bend” include “sane,” “rational,” “reasonable,” “logical,” “sensible,” and “balanced.” These words convey a sense of normalcy and rationality.
The same root words
The phrase “around the bend” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to other idiomatic expressions that use the word “bend.” For example, the phrase “bend over backwards” means to make a great effort to do something, while the phrase “bend the rules” means to break or circumvent the rules.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “around the bend”:
- “I think my neighbor is going around the bend. He’s been acting really strange lately.”
- “The stress of his job is driving him around the bend.”
- “I’m going to go around the bend if I have to listen to that music any longer.”
- “She went around the bend after her husband died and never fully recovered.”
- “The constant noise and chaos of the city was enough to drive anyone around the bend.”