spin out

[GUEST2008]

Hi

I think he was spinning out at that time and he just fell in love too quickly for it to ever grow and mature.

--- What does "spinning out" in this context mean? Maybe, it was a crazy time for him?

[abaka]

It seems to mean "he was losing control of his life", as in spinning out while driving a car.

[bhaisahab]

It seems to mean "he was losing control of his life", as in spinning out while driving a car.

I have never heard 'to spin out', I have heard 'to spin off', but not in this context.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Abaki is right. Spinning out is losing control. It originally referred to cars, but now refers to anything.

It's not about losing control in the violent sense. A spun-out person is distracted and has trouble focusing because of big worries, changes, events, or problems.

He's all spun out about losing his job.

I can't talk to her anymore. Ever since her divorce, she's really been spinning out.

[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]

[Tdol]

I haven't come across this in BrE- we can be strung-out when worry affects us badly. Is it a new form or simply one that hasn't crossed over?