lose your head

lose (one's) head

To lose one's composure and act emotionally or irrationally. You need to calm down before you talk to Larry. You don't want to lose your head before finding out his side of the story. I'm sorry, I lost my head out there. There's no excuse for what I said.
See also: head, lose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lose your head

COMMON If you lose your head, you panic and do not remain calm in a difficult situation. He warned the party not to lose its head, saying that it was not a `time for panic'. When he was questioned by the police, he completely lost his head, told a number of lies and forgot to mention one or two things that might have helped him. Compare with keep your head.
See also: head, lose
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

lose your ˈhead

(informal) become unable to act in a calm or sensible way: It’s a very frightening situation, but we mustn’t lose our heads. OPPOSITE: keep a level head
See also: head, lose
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • lose (one's) head
  • lose head
  • lose one's head
  • lose (one's) head over (something)
  • lose it
  • lose it, to
  • lose one's shirt, to
  • lose
  • lose ground to (someone or something)
  • lose ground
References in classic literature
"You might lose your head, you know, for the second time."
"If you should so lose your head as to appeal to him for me--"
"Forsake the kingdom instantly," said the executioner at last, "and take care never to come back, for you will not only lose your head, but make us lose ours." I thanked him gratefully, and tried to console myself for the loss of my eye by thinking of the other misfortunes I had escaped.
"You don't lose a game in the first half of the season, then lose one and lose your head immediately.
But ahead of today's trip to Brighton, Klopp said: "OK, you don't lose a game in the first half of the season, then lose one and you lose your head immediately - that would be strange.
the loss at Manchester City 10 days ago was followed by a poor FA Cup performance at Wolves but, ahead of today's trip to Brighton, Klopp said: "Unbeaten in the first half of the season but then you lose your head immediately after losing one game?
"Sometimes I think you'd lose your head if it wasn't tied on," she'd say.
DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD: Three stars relax in Newcastle on February 16, 1972, before getting ready to take part in a beheading at the Theatre Royal.
Don't lose your head in the Haunted Castle Hunt, where Royal ghosts lurk around every corner.
It takes nerve not to lose your head when your horse is on and off the bridle in a 3m2f handicap chase, but King remained unflustered and got his due reward for providing no more than firm assistance.
Both players are to be disciplined by the club, and a contrite Juanito said: 'Sometimes a fever enters you and you lose your head. Soon you are shamed by your actions.'
Watkin Roberts was invited to visit tribal leaders after sending a copy of the Gospel of John - he was warned this was an invitation 'to lose your head'.
Worth a blast though, just try not to erm, lose your head ...
If you don't lose your head and stay focused, everything will be well."
"Sometimes you lose your head when something like that happens but we kept coming at them and I was pleased about that.