Basic Details
Word: Haywire
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not working properly or out of control; chaotic.
Synonyms: Chaotic, disordered, confused
Antonyms: Organised, controlled, orderly
Idioms and Phrases
- Go haywire: To go wrong or become chaotic. Example: "The project started to go haywire when no one followed the plan."
- Throw into haywire: To cause confusion or disorder. Example: "The unexpected announcement threw the entire meeting into haywire."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After the computer crashed, everything went haywire, and I lost all my work.
Example 2: The weather forecast was so inaccurate that our picnic plans went completely haywire.
Example 3: When the teacher left the classroom, the students' behaviour went haywire, and noise filled the room.
Fun Fact
The term "haywire" originated from the wire used to tie up bales of hay. When haywire became tangled, it would cause issues, which is where the word evolved to describe situations that are chaotic or disordered.
Famous Quote
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." John Lennon this relates to "haywire" in that sometimes life can throw us off course unexpectedly.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "haywire" mean?
a) In perfect order
b) Out of control or chaotic
c) Very quiet
d) Very predictable
Answer: b) Out of control or chaotic
2. Which of these is a synonym of "haywire"?
a) Controlled
b) Chaotic
c) Neat
d) Calm
Answer: b) Chaotic
3. Which sentence uses "haywire" correctly?
a) The flowers bloomed beautifully in spring.
b) When the plan changed suddenly, everything went haywire.
c) The cake was delicious and sweet.
d) The library was very noisy today.
Answer: b) When the plan changed suddenly, everything went haywire.
4. Which idiom means the same as "haywire"?
a) Alls well that ends well
b) Go haywire
c) Under the weather
d) Easy as pie
Answer: b) Go haywire
5. What is the opposite of "haywire"?
a) Disordered
b) N/A
c) Chaotic
d) Organised
Answer: d) Organised
