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

See Examples For:

out of proportion

“It makes it seem like the online world is more blown out of proportion than what real life is.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

Pessimism about the economy in recent years has puzzled many economists, who said it appeared out of proportion to traditional metrics, such as hiring and consumer spending, which remained healthy in the post-Covid period.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

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

From Slate ● Jun. 9, 2026

Unlike Rosmarin's emotional recount, another passenger on the ship, Kasem Hato, said "the whole situation has been blown out of proportion".

From BBC ● May 5, 2026

I want to reexamine the van Daans and decide for myself what’s true and what’s been blown out of proportion.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

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