Literal Translation
To lose the ball
Actual Meaning
To go crazy
Etymology
This expression, which appeared in the mid-19th century, is similar to ‘perdre le nord’ (to lose one’s bearings). The north is the cardinal point used for navigation. ‘Perdre le nord’ therefore means to be disoriented. The ‘boule’ refers to the head, and by extension, it could also refer to the globe. Thus, it also means to be disoriented, and as a result, confused and panicked.