232 Get out of hand

(PW) lose control

The party really got out of hand when they started drinking alcohol.

 

(free)

1. Out of control: Employee absenteeism has gotten out of hand.

2. At once; immediately.

3. Over and done with; finished.

4. Uncalled for or improper; indiscreet.

 

if a situation gets out of hand, it cannot be controlled any more Things got a little out of hand at the party and three windows were broken. In my first year at college my drinking got a bit out of hand.

 

(online)adv

1: out of control; "the riots got out of hand" [syn: out of  hand, beyond control] [ant: in hand]

 

(MW)

— out of hand

1: without delay or deliberation; also : in a summary or peremptory manner out of hand> 

2: done with : finished

3: out of control

4: with the hands out of hand>