Method in the madness
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
A rational plan or purpose concealed beneath apparently strange or chaotic behaviour. Usually reassuring or humorous. British English favours method in, while method to is especially common in North America. Regional use: Shakespearean source; British and international English.
Origin
The modern expression adapts Polonius's aside in Hamlet, written around 1600-01: 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't.' Shakespeare did not write the exact headphrase, and later speakers shifted the pronouns and prepositions into forms such as 'method in your madness' and, especially in American English, 'method to the madness'. The central contrast between outward disorder and underlying design remains intact.
Research Sources
Variants
- There's method in your madness
- A method to the madness
- Method to your madness
Usage Examples
- The garage looks chaotic, but Sam insists there is method in the madness.
- Her route seemed odd at first, yet there was method in her madness.
- Once he explained the schedule, I could see the method in the madness.