- An idiom meaning reaching very high levels, often unexpectedly or rapidly.
- Commonly used for prices, statistics, anger, or excitement.
Explanation
Origin
- This phrase evokes a powerful visual image: something rising so high and forcefully that it breaks through the ceiling or roof.
- This imagery effectively conveys the idea of exceeding normal limits or expectations dramatically.
- It likely emerged in the mid-20th century, possibly related to economic booms or inflation where prices rose sharply.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Gone ballistic (especially for anger)
- Gone mental (UK/Aus, for anger or high activity/prices)
- Sky-high
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking through the roof
- Exploded like shit (Crude, implies a sudden, messy increase/burst of anger)
Milder:
- Increased significantly
- Rose sharply
- Reached very high levels
- Spiked
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Common in news headlines and business discussions, but the idiomatic nature makes it slightly less formal than increased sharply or rose significantly.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning is impossible, so it's unlikely to be misunderstood, but learners need to grasp it refers to a rapid and significant increase.
Examples
- Gas prices have gone through the roof recently.
- When he heard the news, his anger went through the roof.
- Sales figures went through the roof after the new ad campaign.
- Her excitement level was through the roof.
Dialogue
Chen: Did you see the latest electricity bill?
Maria: No, why? Is it bad?
Chen: Bad? It's gone through the roof! Nearly double what it was last quarter.
Maria: Double?! Oh my goodness. We need to figure out how to cut down our usage.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Housing prices in this city have gone through the roof! How is anyone supposed to afford a place? 🏠💸 #housingcrisis #expensive #realestate
- LinkedIn Post: Thrilled to report our Q3 engagement metrics went through the roof! Huge thanks to the team! #businessgrowth #marketing #success
- Facebook Comment: My stress levels are through the roof this week with deadlines looming.
Response Patterns
- Wow, really?
- Tell me about it! It's crazy. (For prices/negative things)
- That's amazing! (For positive things like sales)
- What caused it?
- How high did they/it go?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing something went through the roof:
- People often ask for the cause: Why did prices go up so much?, What made him so angry?, What drove the sales increase?.
- Express agreement or shared feeling: I know, inflation is hitting hard., That's fantastic news for the company!.
After receiving a response:
- The conversation usually delves deeper into the reasons or consequences of the sharp increase.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually used to comment on a specific metric, price, or emotion that has risen dramatically.
Intonation
- Emphasis on THROUGH the ROOF.
- The tone often reflects the context: surprise or concern for prices/anger, excitement or pride for sales/positive metrics.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia).