lose one's wits
Crack under pressure
To lose one's wits is to become unable to think clearly, whether from panic, shock, or overwhelming emotion.
The phrase suggests a temporary loss of rational control: She nearly lost her wits when the car started skidding.
Someone who has lost their wits may act erratically or freeze entirely.
The expression can also describe going mad, though this sense is now old-fashioned.
- stammeringInvoluntary speech repetition
- forgetfulnessFailure to retain information
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- bewildermentState of being baffled
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
freezing · go blank · absentmindedness · brain fog · misjudgment · disorientation · hysteria · incoherence · confusion · indecision · fear · discombobulation · fall apart · come undone · mental breakdown · nervous wreck · fumbling · distraction
lose one's witskeep one's head
Remain calm despite stress
keep one's cool · hold it together · stay calm · keep it together · keep calm
lose one's witsstay sharp
Maintain mental acuity
come to one's senses · stay focused · think straight · keep one's wits about one · regain one's senses
lose, loser, loses, losing, lost, loss, losses, ones, oneness