perder el control
Lemma Details
Translation: to lose control; to lose one's temper; to go berserk
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'perder' (to lose) from Latin 'perdere' (to destroy, lose) and 'control' (control) from French 'contrôle', ultimately from Medieval Latin 'contrarotulus' (counter-roll, register). The phrase mirrors the English expression 'to lose control' both in structure and meaning, making it relatively intuitive for English speakers.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El conductor perdió el control del vehículo en la curva.
The driver lost control of the vehicle on the curve.
Cuando le dieron la noticia, perdió el control y comenzó a gritar.
When they gave him the news, he lost control and began to shout.
Es importante no perder el control en situaciones de estrés.
It's important not to lose control in stressful situations.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'perder' as 'perdition' - a state of being lost or destroyed, and connect it to losing control.
- Visualize someone losing grip on a steering wheel ('control') to remember the physical aspect of the phrase.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is used in a wide variety of contexts in Spanish-speaking cultures, from describing emotional outbursts to loss of physical control (like in driving). It carries similar connotations to English usage and doesn't have any particular cultural specificity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'perder el control' means to lose control, 'tomar el control' means the opposite - to take or gain control.
Confused word:
El copiloto tuvo que tomar el control cuando el piloto se desmayó.
The copilot had to take control when the pilot fainted.
Notes: The verbs 'perder' and 'tomar' are opposites in this context - one means to lose something, the other to take or gain it.
Mnemonic: Per-DER is for losing (like deteriorate), while to-MAR is for taking (like tomato - picking/taking it).
Explanation: While both phrases refer to losing composure, 'perder el control' is more general about losing restraint or command, while 'perder la cabeza' specifically suggests acting irrationally or foolishly.
Confused word:
Perdió la cabeza y vendió todas sus posesiones para seguir a una secta.
He lost his head and sold all his possessions to follow a cult.
Notes: These phrases can overlap in some contexts but have different nuances.
Mnemonic: Control is about restraint, while 'cabeza' (head) is about rational thinking.