The phrase "coming unglued" is spelled as /ˈkʌmɪŋ ʌnˈɡluːd/. The word "coming" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end to indicate the long vowel sound of "o" as opposed to "coaming" or "coamin." The word "unglued" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end to indicate the long vowel sound of "u" as opposed to "unglu" or "unglue." Together, the phrase "coming unglued" is used to describe someone or something losing their composure or falling apart.
The phrase "coming unglued" is an idiom used to describe a state or situation where someone or something is on the verge of losing control, falling apart, or experiencing a breakdown. This phrase is typically used to convey a sense of unraveling or disintegration.
When someone is said to be "coming unglued," it suggests that they are becoming emotionally or mentally unstable. This may manifest as losing their temper, being unable to cope with stress, exhibiting irrational behavior, or feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. It implies a loss of composure, stability, or control over one's emotions or actions. Furthermore, it implies a feeling of fragility in mental or emotional capacity.
Similarly, when an object or situation is described as "coming unglued," it means that it is showing signs of falling apart or deteriorating rapidly. It suggests that the object or situation is becoming unmanageable, unstable, or disrupted. This can refer to physical objects literally becoming disconnected or disassembled, as well as metaphorical situations or plans falling apart or failing to function properly.
In summary, "coming unglued" is a figurative expression used to describe a person, thing, or situation that is teetering on the edge of losing control or experiencing a breakdown, whether in terms of mental or emotional stability, and the disintegration or destabilization of physical objects or circumstances.
The phrase "coming unglued" is an idiomatic expression that means losing control or becoming unhinged. It is commonly used to describe a person or situation that is falling apart or disintegrating.
The etymology of the phrase can be understood by examining the origins of its individual words.
"Coming" in this context is the present participle of the verb "come", which indicates movement or progression towards a particular state or condition.
"Unglued" is derived from the past participle of the verb "unglue", which means to detach or separate something that was previously held together with glue. In a literal sense, when something becomes unglued, it means that the adhesive bond is broken, causing the object to lose its structural integrity.
However, when used figuratively in phrases like "coming unglued", the meaning shifts to describe a person or situation that is falling apart or becoming emotionally or psychologically unstable.