out of proportion

Idioms  

1. Also, out of all proportion. Not in proper relation to other things, especially by being the wrong size or amount. For example, This vase looks out of proportion on this small table, or Her emotional response was out of all proportion to the circumstances. The noun proportion means “an agreeable or harmonious relationship of one thing relative to another.” [Early 1700s] The antonym in proportion dates from the late 1600s and also refers either to physical size or appropriate degree, as in The bird's wings are huge in proportion to its body, or Her willingness to believe him stands in direct proportion to her love for intrigue.

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Example Sentences

Then a regular post-match interview from Joao Neves was blown out of proportion and the Portugal camp was thrown into chaos.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Pratt tapped into real issues in L.A. and then blew them wildly out of proportion.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Whether or not concerns over artificial-intelligence disruption have been blown out of proportion, one thing is certain: The pressure on the industry shows no sign of abating.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Attorneys for Brown, Raygoza and Samane spent the week arguing that the government’s case was blown out of proportion.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

I was beginning to think that this whole thing was being blown out of proportion.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Related Words

• absolute
• dire
• drastic
• egregious
• exaggerated
• exceptional
• excessive
• extraordinary
• harsh
• irrational
• outrageous
• radical
• remarkable
• severe
• sheer
• unreasonable
• unusual
• utter