lose head

lose head

also lose one's head / lose your head / lost his/her head

Meaning

• not have control over your emotions
• become very angry or upset and unable to think clearly
• lose control and not act in a calm manner
• behave irrationally and lose self control

Example Sentences

1. He is usually very calm and does not lose his head in stressful situations.
2. He lost his head completely when his wife left him over his drinking habit.
3. The project manager lost his head when the project was delayed for the fifth time, this time due to lack of funds.
4. When fire broke out in the building, instead of keeping calm, everyone lost their heads and started running helter skelter.
5. She did not lose her head when faced with a scary situation and calmly got herself out of it.
6. He has a very short temper. He's always losing his head at the slightest provocation.
7. He has been losing his head over the missed opportunity since the past few days.

Origin
The phrase alludes to the fact that our emotions, thinking ability and self control are regulated in the head. The exact origin is unclear, however, it was definitely known and in use by the late 19th century.