in a spin

In a state of increasing panic, agitation, or desperation, especially as may lead to failure, decline, or stagnation. With the former champions currently in a spin, the door is wide open for some ambitious underdog to climb the ranks and seize the title. The country's economy has been in a spin ever since its real estate market crashed a couple years ago.

If you are in a spin or your brain or head is in a spin, you are so confused, excited or angry that you cannot act sensibly or concentrate on what you are doing. I didn't know what to do — my head was in a spin. He was astonished at the news. His brain was in a spin and he had to sit down and take a deep breath. Note: You can also say that you are in a flat spin. It's not going to help if you're in a flat spin over the party preparations. Note: You can say that something or someone puts you in a spin. The unexpected announcement has put the White House in a spin. Note: You can also say that you go into a spin or that something or someone sends or puts you into a spin. There's no need to go into a spin. It was a perfectly reasonable request to make. The violinist's long blonde hair and sexy evening frocks have sent the classical music world into a spin. Note: If a plane goes into a spin, it goes out of control and falls very rapidly towards the ground in a spiralling movement. If it goes into a flat spin, it turns round and round as it falls, but remains horizontal.