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Region: US | Usage example: His suggestion was completely off the wall.

Off the wall

Meaning

Strange or unexpected.

Usage

Used when describing unconventional ideas.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sports referencing balls bouncing off walls unpredictably.

Used since the 1950s in American slang.

Related Idioms

Read the handwriting on the wall

See the signs that something is going to happen.

Fly on the wall

Observing events unnoticed.

Write on the wall

A visible sign that something is about to fail.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.