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

He said the agreement drafted by the agency used the surrogate’s body for a “profit venturing business” and that the risks Trent-Wilson took were out of proportion to those taken by the agency.

From The Wall Street Journal

That fear has been blown out of proportion.

From Barron's

Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said that drug prices in the U.S. are out of proportion compared with other countries and that the company is increasing its workforce and investment in America.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There was a little fear that we're seeing some undue promotion particularly by third parties, perhaps governments, that are out of proportion of the rest of the natural promotion that you should see in the show," he said.

From BBC

"The Stockholm thing was taken out of proportion," said Johnson.

From BBC

Related Words

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