get out of hand

get out of hand

To become chaotic and unmanageable, as of a situation. If your party gets out of hand, the neighbors will call the police. Don't worry, we hired extra security just in case things get out of hand at the event. Things will definitely get out of hand when the audience finds out the band called off their show.

See also: get, hand, of, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get out of hand

COMMON If a situation gets out of hand, it cannot be controlled any longer. Two men in the club had an argument that got out of hand and the police were called. Kenneth's aggressive nature has gotten a bit out of hand. Compare with out of hand.

See also: get, hand, of, out

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

get out of ˈhand

become difficult or impossible to control: How can we stop price increases getting out of hand? ♢ The student teacher saw that the class was getting completely out of hand, so he asked for help. OPPOSITE: be under control

See also: get, hand, of, out

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017