Runaway train?

Reader question:

Please explain “runaway train” in this quote: “My thoughts and emotions are a runaway train.”

My comments:

The speaker is in turmoil, mentally and emotionally. Wild thoughts and feelings are taking over him or her, overwhelming them, giving them no peace.

No peace of mind, that is.

Peace of mind is what they want, of course.

Anyway, that’s what “runaway train” implies.

Literally, a runaway train is a train that’s running on its own, running away from control, so to speak – due to, say, mechanical or digital malfunction.

For example, a high-speed train is supposed to slow down before approaching a station, but the controlling buttons stop working all of sudden….

Leaving crew members in frenzy.

I’m just giving an example. Luckily, accidents like this almost never happen. However, just imagine if they do. Imagine, say, a heavy loaded freight train running at full speed, unable to slow, let alone to stop.

Will it go off the rail?

Or, will it run head on into another fast running train?

Major disaster is in store, no doubt and, suffice it to say, major effort is needed to avert it.

So, as a metaphor, “runaway train” comes to represent any chaotic situation that is out of control and seemingly unstoppable.

In our example, the speaker feels their thoughts and emotions are like that. They can’t stop thinking terrible thoughts. They feel like going mad.

Before they regain control and feel like their normal selves, they’ll continue to feel their hearts and thoughts racing like a runaway train.

Their thoughts and emotions are not unlike an erupting volcano.

Get the picture?

All right, here are media examples of situations that are volatile and out of control, like a runaway train:

1. A former top official in the CIA and Defense Department describes the Trump White House as a “runaway train,” saying “criminal liability” from the 2016 presidential election could extend “all the way to the top.”

“The image I have in my head of the White House is a runaway train,” Jeremy Bash, a former CIA and Defense Department chief of staff in the Obama administration, said in an interview with MSNBC anchor Brian Williams Thursday night, after former national security adviser Michael Flynn offered to testify in ongoing Russia probes in exchange for immunity.

He added that Justice Department officials would have to weigh whether Flynn’s testimony would warrant protection from prosecution.

“For the Justice Department to agree to give somebody like him immunity it means they want him to turn and testify against someone higher up in the food chain,” Bash said.

“Who is higher up in the food chain, higher than the national security adviser? There’s really only one person. And so this shows that the jeopardy of criminal liability actually extends all the way to the top.”

Flynn stepped down from his White House post last month after it was revealed that he discussed U.S. sanctions with Russia’s ambassador before President Trump took office and that he misled top officials, including Vice President Pence, about the conversations.

He officially registered as a foreign agent earlier this month amid revelations that he had done lobbying work that ultimately benefitted the Turkish government.

- Ex-CIA official: Trump White House is a ‘runaway train’, TheHill.com, March 31, 2017.

2. Being the son or daughter of a popular celebrity in the entertainment field is usually a slippery slope. For example, it seems that more often than not, the son or daughter never achieves the same success or acclaim as their famous mother or father.

During a recent interview with Alex Skolnick’s Moods and Modes Podcast, Frank Zappa’s eldest daughter, Moon Unit, tackled this topic and proved to be open and honest about what it was like to grow up in the household of one of rock’s all-time eccentric figures.

“It was a very much of a ‘neck up’ house,” Moon Unit said (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar). “And I would say that my father was like having Jesus and Spock for a dad, and he was just so rational, logical reductionist, and he just wanted to get back to work as quickly as he could. So, ‘conflict resolution,’ it wasn’t satisfying for all parties, let’s say.”

“And so that was a skill that I had to acquire later, and compromise, for example, was taking turns being miserable,” Moon Unit continued. “And there was only one person who was never going to be miserable. So you had to take that on. And so that’s just not a great environment.”

“And again, I don’t think anybody meant this kind of harm. It was just that my father’s life was a runaway train. I mean, there was just a momentum that he had to just keep driving. And it just felt good, I imagine, to have the applause and have the groupies. That’s more exciting than making sure kids get to school on time.”

But Moon Unit, who has collaborated musically with both her father and with her brother, Dweezil, also admitted to understanding to a degree why her father behaved the way he did. Plus, realizing how important he was to those who admired his music.

“Even though my dad was still not attuned, he was my ally. And because he was, he was at least not unkind. And also, he did something that people really admired. And so I had that pride of being connected to this person who meant so much to so many people that didn’t have a voice. And, you know, it’s one thing when you’re the kid of a celebrity, the celebrity is whatever, just an egomaniac and not doing stuff for the people.”

“But my father was also important to people that really felt like outsiders. And so he was kind of this ‘King of the Underworld’ in some ways. That was another ingredient that was hard to navigate because how can I be mad if he’s helping people if he’s not spending time with me? Because he’s actually making a difference in other people's lives.”

Moon Unit released an autobiography, “Earth to Moon: A Memoir,” in August 2024, which further explored her upbringing.

- ‘His Life Was a Runaway Train’: Frank Zappa’s Daughter Reveals What Her Dad Was Really Like, Ultimate-Guitar.com, January 13, 2025.

3. Novak Djokovic showed his trademark grace and honesty after his Six Kings Slam semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner. The defending champion ousted the veteran 6-4, 6-2 in just over an hour arranging the title clash against Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak had no excuses after a straight-sets loss, admitting that Jannik played on another level. The Italian outplayed the Serb on serve and return, providing three breaks while defending two break points in the only troubled service game.

Djokovic, who has built a career on neutralizing even the most aggressive rivals, found himself chasing the ball from every corner. Sinner dictated the tempo with effortless power and accuracy, especially in the second set.

After the duel, Novak summed up the experience with a smile, describing his opponent’s game as a runaway train that could not be stopped. It was a moment of pure sportsmanship - a champion recognizing another player’s brilliance without hesitation.

The veteran wished the 24-year-old all the best in Saturday’s final against world no. 1, Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic praised Sinner’s poise and consistency, with his words echoing respect and perspective.

They reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors on and off the court. In Riyadh, Jannik stole the spotlight with his breathtaking performance.

Novak, ever the class act, was the first to applaud it. The Serb will fight for the third place against Taylor Fritz, achieving it a year ago as well against his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal.

“It felt like a runaway train! Jannik was smacking the ball from all corners and was just too good. Well done to him and good luck in the final,” Novak Djokovic said.

- Novak Djokovic hails Jannik Sinner’s ‘Runaway train’ performance in Riyadh, TennisWorldUSA.com, October 17, 2025.

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About the author:

Zhang Xin is Trainer at chinadaily.com.cn. He has been with China Daily since 1988, when he graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Write him at: zhangxin@chinadaily.com.cn, or raise a question for potential use in a future column.

（作者：张欣）