method

*method in one's madness

Fig. a purpose in what one is doing, even though it seems to be crazy. (*Typically: be ~; have ~.) What I'm doing may look strange, but there is method in my madness. Wait until she finishes; then you'll see that she has method in her madness.

See also: madness

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there's method in somebody's madness  (British, American & Australian) also there's a method to somebody's madness (American)

something that you say which means that although someone seems to be behaving strangely, there is a reason for their behaviour

Usage notes: This phrase comes from Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet'.

When he picked the side I thought he must be crazy but, judging by their performance this season, there's obviously method in his madness.

See also: madness