Idioms are like secret codes or puzzles in language. They use everyday words to mean something completely different from what they actually say. This post explores some fun and quirky idioms that all have the word “mad” in them or relate to being “mad” in a playful way. Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, these expressions will help you understand how colorful language can be!
Mad Idioms
Here are 20 mad idioms in English.
1. Mad as a hatter
Meaning: Completely crazy
Example: He’s mad as a hatter, always inventing strange things!
2. Mad as a March hare
Meaning: Very silly or crazy
Example: Jumping in the pool with clothes on? Mad as a March hare!
3. Like a mad dog
Meaning: Extremely aggressive
Example: He came at me like a mad dog.
4. Mad about the boy
Meaning: Obsessed or infatuated
Example: She’s been mad about the boy next door.
5. Driving me mad
Meaning: Making someone extremely frustrated
Example: This puzzle is driving me mad!
6. Foaming at the mouth
Meaning: Extremely angry
Example: Dad was foaming at the mouth after he saw the broken window.
7. Hopping mad
Meaning: Very angry
Example: She was hopping mad when she lost her phone.
8. Mad money
Meaning: Money spent on fun things
Example: I saved some mad money for the trip.
9. Mad rush
Meaning: A hurried or frantic effort
Example: It was a mad rush to get to the airport on time.
10. Barking mad
Meaning: Completely insane
Example: He’s barking mad if he thinks I’ll agree.
11. Mad scientist
Meaning: Eccentric or unorthodox scientist
Example: He’s like a mad scientist in his lab!
12. Mad skills
Meaning: Exceptional abilities
Example: She has mad skills in coding.
13. Stark raving mad
Meaning: Utterly insane
Example: He went stark raving mad after the news.
14. Mad as a cut snake
Meaning: Very angry or crazy
Example: He was as mad as a cut snake when provoked.
15. Mad with power
Meaning: Corrupted by authority
Example: The dictator was mad with power.
16. Going mad
Meaning: Becoming insane
Example: I’m going mad with all this noise!
17. Mad about it
Meaning: Enthusiastic or passionate
Example: She’s mad about classical music.
18. Like mad
Meaning: Very quickly, frantically
Example: He worked like mad to finish on time.
19. Stark mad
Meaning: Completely crazy
Example: He’s gone stark mad, I tell you!
20. Mad king
Meaning: A ruler who is perceived as insane
Example: Tales of the mad king are still told in the village.