agley

Agley is a Scottish word meaning "off course" or "amiss." It is most famously known from the Robert Burns poem "Tam o' Shanter," published in 1796. The line "The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men / Gang aft agley" has become a widely quoted expression, suggesting that even the most carefully planned endeavors can go awry.

The word's etymology traces back to Old Norse and Proto-Germanic roots related to crookedness or deviation. While "agley" is primarily associated with Scottish English, its meaning of something going wrong or not as intended has resonated beyond its linguistic origins. It captures a universal human experience of plans not unfolding as expected, often due to unforeseen circumstances or inherent unpredictability.

In modern usage, "agley" can refer to anything that deviates from a plan or expected outcome, whether it's a minor mishap or a significant failure. The phrase from Burns' poem serves as a reminder of the capriciousness of fate and the importance of adaptability in the face of unexpected turns. It is often used to describe situations where things have gone wrong in a way that was not anticipated.