Round the bend
Meaning
To become mentally deranged or to lose one's sanity.
Origin
Imagine a road or a river, winding away, with an inevitable bend that obscures what lies beyond. For centuries, this simple geographical reality has been a metaphor for the unknown, for something disappearing from view. In the early 20th century, this literal image began to merge with the abstract idea of a mind departing from sanity. To go 'round the bend' became a vivid, almost visual, description of someone's mental faculties veering off the predictable path, disappearing into a realm of irrationality from which there was no clear return. It paints a picture of a journey into madness, a journey out of sight, and out of mind.
Examples
- After three consecutive all-nighters, I genuinely thought I was going round the bend.
- Her latest conspiracy theories have convinced everyone she’s finally gone round the bend.