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have a screw loose

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have a screw loose

 and have a loose screw; have got a screw loose

Inf. Fig. to be silly or eccentric. He's sort of strange. I think he's got a loose screw. Yes, he has a screw loose somewhere. He wears a heavy jacket in the middle of summer.

See also: have, loose, screw

have a screw loose

  (informal)

to be crazy I think that woman has a screw loose - she goes out in her slippers.

See also: have, loose, screw

have a screw loose

Be mentally unstable or eccentric, as in Anyone who approves that purchase must have a screw loose. This term likens a mental weakness to a machine in which a part is not securely fastened. An antonym is have one's head screwed on right; for example, She's very capable; she has her head screwed on right. [Slang; early 1800s]

See also: have, loose, screw

have a screw loose

and have a loose screw

tv. to be silly or eccentric. (Have got can replace have.) He’s sort of strange. I think he’s got a loose screw. You’re talking like you’ve got a screw loose or something.

See also: have, loose, screw

have a screw loose

Slang

To behave in an eccentric or mentally deranged manner.

See also: have, loose, screw