Idiom
off one's trolley
Meanings
Acting in a crazy, irrational, or out-of-control way.
Having a completely unreasonable idea or belief; being way off base.
Definition
To be off one's trolley means to behave in a crazy, irrational, or wildly unreasonable way.
If someone is off their trolley, they seem crazy or not thinking clearly. It is often used humorously or critically to say a person’s behaviour or idea is completely unreasonable. In British English it’s common in informal speech, and it can be mild teasing or a stronger insult depending on context.
Examples
- You must be off your trolley if you think I’m paying that much for it.
- He went off his trolley when he realised he’d missed the last train.
- The neighbours will think we’re off our trolley dancing in the garden at midnight.
- She’s not off her trolley; she’s just exhausted and stressed.
Common mistake
Learners often say "off the trolley" instead of the correct "off one's trolley" (with a possessive like my/your/his/her).
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
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- under the cosh If someone is under the cosh, they are under strong pressure or being controlled harshly.
- under the weather If you are under the weather, you feel slightly ill or not at your best.