Translation guide
This English idiom means to lose control, go wrong, or behave erratically. Japanese has several expressions depending on whether you mean a plan failing, a person acting wildly, or a situation becoming chaotic.
The plan went off the rails because of the weather.
Means 'to be ruined' or 'spoiled'. Used when something is completely messed up.
The project went off the rails because of his mistake.
Casual expression meaning 'to become a mess' or 'go haywire'.
The event went off the rails because of lack of preparation.
To describe someone who starts behaving erratically, recklessly, or out of control.
Literally 'run wild'. Used for people who act recklessly or out of control, like a runaway train.
He went off the rails in anger.
Means 'to lose restraint' or 'become uncontrollable'. Often used for behavior that escalates.
Literally 'stray from the path'. Can mean to go astray morally or in life.
To describe a situation or event that descends into chaos or disorder.
Do not translate 'go off the rails' literally as レールから外れる. While understandable, it is not a natural idiom in Japanese for the figurative meaning.
His drinking went off the rails.
He went off the rails when he was young.
The plan went off the rails and nothing progressed.