Haywire

Haywire refers to a state or condition that is disordered, out of control, or functioning improperly. The term often conveys a sense of chaos, confusion, or malfunctioning machinery. Originally relating to the wire used to bind bales of hay, the word has evolved to describe situations or systems that have gone awry, leading to unexpected and often disruptive outcomes in everyday life.

Haywire meaning with examples

• After the new software update, my computer went haywire, causing all my files to disappear and the system to freeze repeatedly. It took hours to troubleshoot the problem, but eventually, I managed to restore everything. This incident served as a reminder to save my work more frequently and to proceed with caution when installing unexpected updates.
• During the storm, our power went haywire as the strong winds knocked down power lines in our area. Instead of feeling cozy and comfortable, we found ourselves in complete darkness without any electricity or heat. This experience made us appreciate the convenience of modern energy sources and highlight the importance of being prepared for unexpected outages.
• As the meeting progressed, the discussion began to go haywire, with multiple people speaking over each other and diverging from the agenda. It became difficult to follow the main points, and crucial decisions were left undiscussed. To regain control, the manager had to step in and redirect the conversation to ensure everyone had a chance to contribute meaningfully.
• The plan to redecorate the office went haywire when the delivery of furniture was delayed by several weeks, leaving us with an empty space and no direction. We had envisioned a fresh and vibrant workspace, but with everything up in the air, team morale began to drop. After a brainstorming session, we decided to temporarily reorganize the existing items for a small refresh.
• After a series of technical difficulties, the live event went haywire when the audio-visual equipment malfunctioned midway through the presentation. The audience was left confused and frustrated, and the presenters struggled to regain their focus. It was a live demonstration of how even the best-laid plans can unravel in an instant, and everyone learned the importance of having backup systems in place.