The phrase "goes the deep end" is an idiom that implies someone becomes extremely or excessively emotional, erratic, or irrational in their behavior or actions. It is derived from the literal meaning of "deep end," which refers to the part of a swimming pool that is deeper and where individuals are unable to stand, relying solely on their swimming skills.
When someone "goes the deep end," they are metaphorically diving into the uncertain depths of their emotions, often losing control or perspective in the process. This idiom suggests a sudden and dramatic change in someone's behavior, usually triggered by a particularly intense situation or overwhelming emotions.
Typically, "going the deep end" implies a state of being overwhelmed, where rationality and calmness are abandoned, and one becomes consumed by their emotions. This can manifest as a complete loss of self-control, leading to impulsive actions, extreme reactions, or irrational decisions.
Examples of situations where one might "go the deep end" include experiencing intense grief, extreme anger, or overwhelming stress. These circumstances push individuals beyond their emotional breaking point, causing them to act in ways that are uncharacteristic or irrational.
In summary, "going the deep end" is an idiom used to describe someone who becomes excessively emotional or irrational due to overwhelming circumstances, similar to someone losing control while swimming in the deep end of a pool.
