off balance

Idioms  

1. Out of equilibrium, unsteady, as in When learning how to ride a two-wheeler, it's easy to get off balance and fall , or She stood up and threw the canoe off balance . [Mid-1900s]

2. Surprised, unprepared, as in The teacher gives unannounced tests to keep the class off balance . [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Putin’s trademark has always been the use of threats and aggression to sow not only fear, but uncertainty and doubt, keeping his citizens and global enemies off balance.

From Washington Post

“It’s really important for us to get early, soft contact to keep hitters off balance and keep us in the game,” said Gray, whose 28 starts last year were more than twice as many as he had made in his career.

From Washington Post

Strong said he crouched down by Ward-Blake’s ankles, and that the man then elbowed him in the head and knocked him off balance.

From Washington Post

After a round of fielding drills for Dodgers pitchers on a backfield at Camelback Ranch earlier this month, Gonsolin was slowly trotting away from the mound when his left foot suddenly gave way on the infield grass, twisting his ankle and knocking him off balance.

From Los Angeles Times

With their arms wrapped around one another, Marchand appeared to stick his leg out to catch the back of Bjorkstrand’s legs and put him off balance.

From Seattle Times