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.
天候のせいで計画が狂った。
The plan went off the rails because of the weather.
Means 'to be ruined' or 'spoiled'. Used when something is completely messed up.
彼のミスでプロジェクトが台無しになった。
The project went off the rails because of his mistake.
Casual expression meaning 'to become a mess' or 'go haywire'.
準備が足りなくて、イベントがめちゃくちゃになった。
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.
彼は怒って暴走した。
He went off the rails in anger.
Means 'to lose restraint' or 'become uncontrollable'. Often used for behavior that escalates.
彼の飲酒は歯止めが利かなくなった。
His drinking went off the rails.
Literally 'stray from the path'. Can mean to go astray morally or in life.
彼は若い頃、道を外れた。
He went off the rails when he was young.
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.
会議は収拾がつかなくなった。
The meeting went off the rails.
Simply 'to become chaotic'. A straightforward way to say things went wrong.
計画が混乱して、何も進まなかった。
The plan went off the rails and nothing progressed.
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.