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# lost his marbles

phrase (idiom, verb phrase: lose one's marbles, lost his/her marbles)

«lost his marbles» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, humorous) became confused or mad, often in old age.
2. (literal) could not find his marbles (glass balls for games).

### In the lessons

Used jokingly about people acting strangely; can be unkind about real illness. Register: humorous, slang; all regions.

### Examples

- Grandpa thinks he's lost his marbles because he can't find his glasses.
- Chat: has he lost his marbles?? he painted the dog
- The teacher joked she'd lose her marbles if we kept talking.
- The boy lost his marbles down the drain.
- The old man in the story had lost his marbles and talked to the moon.

### Note

Do not use it about people with dementia — it's hurtful. The pronoun changes: his, her, their marbles. Plain words: gone mad or confused.