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.
To describe a plan, project, or situation that fails or goes out of control.
Literally 'the plan goes awry'. A common way to say a plan has gone off track.
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.
To describe a situation or event that descends into chaos or disorder.
Means 'to get out of hand' or 'become uncontrollable'. Used for situations that spiral.
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.
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.
He went off the rails in anger.
Means 'to lose restraint' or 'become uncontrollable'. Often used for behavior that escalates.
His drinking went off the rails.
Literally 'stray from the path'. Can mean to go astray morally or in life.
He went off the rails when he was young.
The meeting went off the rails.
Simply 'to become chaotic'. A straightforward way to say things went wrong.
The plan went off the rails and nothing progressed.