The phrase "come unglued" is spelled in accordance with the standard rules of English spelling. It is pronounced /kʌm ˈʌnɡluːd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "come," is pronounced with a short vowel sound /kʌm/. The second syllable, "unglued," is pronounced with a long u sound /ʌn/ and a hard g /ɡ/. The word "unglued" means to come apart or lose cohesion, while "come unglued" is a phrase used to describe a situation that has fallen apart or become disordered.
The phrase "come unglued" refers to an idiomatic expression that typically means to fall apart or disintegrate, both literally and metaphorically. When an object or structure that was previously held together by glue or adhesive comes unglued, it loses cohesion and collapses into separate pieces. This physical sense can be extended to describe situations or circumstances that deteriorate or break down in a similar manner.
In the metaphorical sense, "come unglued" refers to a person experiencing a mental or emotional breakdown, where they lose control or composure. It can describe a state of disarray, when someone's emotions overwhelm them to the point of losing their ability to function effectively or maintain stability. This can manifest in various ways, including lashing out in anger, crying uncontrollably, or exhibiting signs of extreme distress.
Furthermore, "come unglued" can describe the unraveling of plans, projects, or situations, suggesting that they are no longer progressing smoothly or as intended. It denotes a loss of control or organization, leading to chaos or failure. This phrase is often used to emphasize the disruptive or catastrophic nature of a breakdown, suggesting that the situation has reached a critical point where it can no longer be sustained or salvaged.
Overall, "come unglued" describes the act of falling apart, either physically or metaphorically, emphasizing the sudden or dramatic nature of the disintegration.
The expression "come unglued" is a figurative phrase that means to become agitated, distressed, or mentally unstable. It originated in the United States in the mid-20th century.
The word "unglued" is derived from the concept of something becoming unfastened or detached from its original position. The term likely draws its inspiration from the literal meaning of "glue", which is a substance used to hold things together.
When someone "comes unglued", it refers to a person's emotional or mental state deteriorating rapidly, as if the person is metaphorically falling apart or losing their composure. The origin of this phrase can be linked to the idea of something becoming unstuck or unheld, indicating a loss of control or stability.
The expression has become idiomatic and is commonly used in informal contexts across the English-speaking world.