lunatics have taken over the asylum

English

Alternative forms

• inmates running the asylum
• lunatics taking over the asylum
• inmates have taken over the asylum
• inmates taking over the asylum
• lunatics running the asylum

Etymology

Said to originate in a 1919 remark by Richard A. Rowland about the founding of United Artists. Perhaps an allusion to the short story by Edgar Allan Poe, The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether, first published 1845.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

(the) lunatics have taken over the asylum

1. Said of a situation in which those in charge are incapable of handling their responsibilities, and should rather be put under scrutiny themselves.

Translations

situation where those in charge are incapable of handling their responsibilities