Idiom
barking mad
Meanings
Completely crazy; acting in a wildly irrational way.
Totally unreasonable or absurd (said of an idea, plan, or suggestion).
Definition
Extremely crazy or behaving in a wildly irrational way.
If someone is barking mad, they are completely crazy or acting in a very irrational way. It is an informal expression, often used to criticize an idea or plan as totally unreasonable. It can be humorous, but it can also sound rude when said about a person.
Examples
- You must be barking mad if you think I’m going out in this storm.
- His plan to quit today with no savings is barking mad.
- She said I was barking mad to trust a stranger with my laptop.
- Everyone thought the rumor was barking mad, but it turned out to be true.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.