a coined variation of off the rails, meaning out of the correct,
normal or usual
condition; not functioning, working or
acting correctly; in a confused, disorganized
state. This
phrase alludes to a train that has
run off the railway tracks and is literally off the rails. A third
rail is a supplementary
rail that is laid beside the tracks of an electric railroad and which has the
purpose of supplying
power to the train through
contact devices.
a variation of off the rails, out of the proper or
normal condition; out of
control. The third
rail is a
rail which parallels the ordinary rails of a railroad and provides current to a car or locomotive.