To go off the deep end

Idiom: to go off the deep end; used as a verb

First Example:

Hugh: Hey, did you go shopping today? 

Marty: Yeah, I went to Costco.

Hugh: Did you remember to get toilet paper?                                

Marty: Yeah, I got four packages.

Hugh: Cool.  Where are they?                                                         

Marty: In my car.  I need help carrying them up.

Hugh:Why?                                                                                    

Marty: There's 30 rolls in each pack.

Hugh: Whoa! You didn't need to go off the deep end!                

Marty: You said to get a few packages.

Hugh: Yeah - the ones with like 6 rolls! Now we have enough toilet paper for years!       

             

Meaning: The idiom "to go off the deep end" is used when someone does something beyond what is expected, usually crazy or irrational. In the example above, Marty went off the deep end when he bought 4 large packages of toilet paper at Costco. The idiom is also used when someone becomes suddenly angry or upset, as in the next example:

Chrissie: How did the presentation go with the bosses? 

Pete: Not great.  They didn't really like our idea.

Chrissie: They didn't like any of it?                                                

Pete: Not really.

Chrissie: I've been working on that for a month! Do you think they're mad? I hope I don't get fired!

Pete: Whoa! Don't go off the deep end. They appreciated the work we put into it, but they had some other ideas, and they want us to work together on a new presentation.

Chrissie: Oh good.  Sorry, didn't mean to panic there.

Meaning: In this example, Chrissie panics because her bosses didn't like the project she and Pete had been working on for a month.  However, her sudden panic is irrational, and Pete calms her down by telling her that they want her to work with him on the new idea.

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To Get Worked Up

Idiom: “to get worked up”

Meaning: To become worried or angry about something; to build up feelings of anticipation or anxiety about a situation, causing stress or strong emotions.

Example #1:

Superman: The day is so short and I can’t rescue everyone.

Louis: Don’t get so worked up about it.  You’re only one superhero.

Superman: I know, but everyone expects me to be super and to protect the world.

Louis:  That’s not a reason to become so upset.  It’s too much pressure for one person.

Example #2:  

                         

Leslie:  My favorite basketball team is losing the game.

Hanna: You’re getting worked up just talking about it.  Maybe you shouldn’t take sports so seriously.

Leslie:  I grew up watching the team with my dad.   We never miss a game.  We were so excited that they made it to the championship match this year. 

Hanna:  I understand, but it seems you’re really angry just thinking about the score.  Remember, it’s just a game.

Leslie: You’re right.

Meaning: “To get worked up” means to become worried or upset about something. In example 1, Superman is so worked up about not being able to save anyone that he forgets he is just one superhero.  In example 2, Leslie is worked up about her team losing and forgets about enjoying sports.

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