lose control — cannot manage
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To be unable to manage your feelings, actions, or a situation, often leading to problems or chaos.
Say it like a native
Textbook He forfeited his capacity to regulate the situation.
Native He lost control of the situation.
'Lose control' is natural; 'forfeit capacity to regulate' is jargon.
Pattern: lose control (of something)
In use
- He lost control of the car on the icy road.emotions
- In stressful situations, some people lose control of their emotions and react without thinking.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He lost the control of the car.
✓ He lost control of the car.
No 'the' — 'lose control OF something'.
Common collocations
lose control (of)— of, completely, the car, yourself
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'take control,' which means to start managing something.