rail

Definition

  • noun: a bar that goes from one post or support to another and that is used to form a barrier
  • noun: a bar extending from one post or support to another and serving as a guard or barrier
  • verb: to use rails to create a barrier around or at the edge of (something)
  • verb: to provide with a 'railing'
  • verb: to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language
  • usually plural
  • synonyms: course, railing, scoff

Examples

  • He was a promising student but he 'went off the rails' after he started taking drugs.

  • The train went off the 'rails'. = ('chiefly Brit') The train jumped the 'rails'.

  • The workers 'railed' about the unfair treatment they'd received.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) They need a purpose, a focus. Who knows what'll happen? I know what will happen. You'll rev them up with some new and exciting idea, then you're gonna go off the rails, and we're not gonna see you again. They don't need some big, delusional tournament. They don't even have parents. (..)
    2014 The Dark Horse