go haywire

What is the origin of the idiom "go haywire" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go haywire" is unclear, but it is thought to be related to the idea of a machine or piece of equipment that is malfunctioning or not working properly, causing it to behave erratically or unpredictably. The term "haywire" may have been used because it was a common material used to tie or bind machinery in the early 20th century, and if it came loose or became tangled, the machinery would malfunction. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where something becomes disordered or chaotic, whether it be a plan, a situation, or a person's behavior.