have a screw loose

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

Be mentally unstable or eccentric, as in Anyone who approves that purchase must have a screw loose . This term likens a mental weakness to a machine in which a part is not securely fastened. An antonym is have one's head screwed on right ; for example, She's very capable; she has her head screwed on right . [ Slang ; early 1800s]

Word of the Day

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse