the inmates are running the asylum

the inmates are running the asylum

The people least capable of running a group or organization are now in charge. Said especially when the result is total chaos or calamity. With the primary schools giving their young students complete control over the curriculum, it seems as though the inmates are running the asylum. After the recent election, a new wave of political extremists have taken power in Congress. It looks like the inmates are now running the asylum.
See also: asylum, inmate, running
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • asylum
  • inmate
  • lunatics have taken over the asylum, the
  • the inmates have taken over the asylum
  • the lunatics are running the asylum
  • the lunatics have taken over the asylum
  • able to cut
  • able to cut it
  • able to cut something
  • not know if you are coming or going
References in periodicals archive
A copper I knew once said to me: "Look, I know what you think and you're right, but for your own sake, if you catch a burglar in your house, make it look as if he was coming in when you clobber him, because if it looks like he was running out to escape - you'll go down." The inmates are running the asylum.
Letter: Viewpoints - When did self-defence become illegal in UK?
Title: The Inmates are Running the Asylum Author: Alan CooperPublisher: SamsISBN: 0 672 32614 0Price: USD16.95Reviewer: Matt Stewart
REVIEW: The Inmates are Running the Asylum
The inmates are running the asylum is not an academic tome full of references to stodgy studies.
THE INMATES ARE RUNNING THE ASYLUM