out of kilter

Idioms  

1. Also, out of whack. Not properly adjusted, not working well, out of order. For example, This whole schedule is out of kilter with the rest of our projects, or The wheels on the trailer are out of whack. The first term, also spelled kelter, dates from the early 1600s and its origin is not known. The precise allusion of the variant, a colloquial term dating from the late 1800s, is also unclear. Possibly it relates to a whack, or blow, throwing something off, or some suggest, to wacky, that is, “crazy.”

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Example Sentences

While her fellow senior bishops in the House of Lords appear united in having a similar outlook, recent polls suggest that view is out of kilter with the majority of the British public who support assisted dying in some circumstances.

From BBC

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as the Ravens missed chances - although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off.

From BBC

He stressed he was "not going to single any one participating broadcaster out" but that the changes had been triggered by a number of promotional campaigns over recent years - especially by third parties - that were "out of kilter" with the spirit of the annual contest.

From BBC

The party playlist, with disco hits blasting through stoppages, felt out of kilter with the rising tension.

From BBC

When a person is granted asylum in the UK, they can apply to bring their family too but Cooper believes changes to policies across Europe mean the UK is now out of kilter with its neighbours and restrictions are needed.

From BBC

Related Words

• busted
• defective
• faulty
• ruined
• wrecked