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

The call was reported not violent by officers, and her campaign claims the situation is being blown out of proportion.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

"That's their strategy - and I think it's a good strategy, it's exciting. But the consequence is that every little bit of information, every little event, gets sort of blown out of proportion."

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

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

From Slate ● Jun. 9, 2026

In 2019, a Madison Square Garden company shareholder sued Dolan, alleging that he received compensation out of proportion to his work as an executive.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

She wanted Ellsberg to realize he’d blown the appearance of the German poet way out of proportion, and he got the message.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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Related Words

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

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