RAILS, OFF THE

(especially British) out of the proper or normal condition; out of control; haywire —ESTO - Evaluation and Handling of Personnel, Part II Approved Glossary

out of the proper or standard condition. The phrase implies that there is a correct way to do things and when that way is not used, then it goes "off the rails."-HCO PL 15 May 1984.(especially British) out of the proper or normal condition; out of control; haywirein a disorganized or confused state.in a disorganized or confused state. A reference to the rails that a train runs on.into a disorganized or confused state. A reference to the rails that a train runs on.into a disorganized or confused state.into a disorganized or confused state. A reference to the rails that a train runs on. What's a universe? How does it get that way? How does it go off the rails?