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

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

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

His US teammate Jake Sanderson told journalists the laughter had been "a bit of a mistake" that "got blown out of proportion a little bit," while reserve goaltender Jeremy Swayman said "We should've reacted differently."

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

“As they received more information,” Oskamp concluded, “their certainty about their own decisions became entirely out of proportion to the actual correctness of those decisions.”

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

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