method in (one's) madness

method in (one's) madness

A specific, rational purpose in what one is doing or planning, even though it may seem crazy or absurd to another person. Originated in Shakespeare's Hamlet: "Though this be madness, yet there is method in it." He may seem scattered and disorganized, but I guarantee there's a method in his madness.See also: madness, method

*method in one's madness

Fig. a purpose in what one is doing, even though it seems to be crazy. (*Typically: be ~; have ~.) What I'm doing may look strange, but there is method in my madness. Wait until she finishes; then you'll see that she has method in her madness.See also: madness, method

method in one's madness

An underlying purpose in crazy behavior, as in Harry takes seemingly random trips around the country but there's method to his madness-he's checking on real estate values . This expression comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet (2:2): "Though this be madness, yet there is method in it." For a modern equivalent, see crazy like a fox. See also: madness, method