out of whack: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of whack’ mean?
The idiom "out of whack" means something is not operating or functioning in the correct or expected way. It implies a state of imbalance or disorder. It is often used to describe situations or things that are not working properly or are out of order.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "out of touch" means to be unaware or uninformed about a particular topic or the current situation. It implies a lack of understanding or familiarity with something or someone.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of sorts" means not feeling one's usual self, not in a good mood, or not in a good physical or mental condition.
The idiom "out of proportion" means that something is exaggerated or not in the correct scale or proportion. It suggests that something is bigger, smaller, more important, or less important than it should be in relation to other things. This idiom is commonly used to describe situations, reactions, or emotions that are exaggerated or disproportionate.
The idiom "out of place" means something or someone not in the correct or suitable position, situation, or context.
The idiom "out of order" means that something is not functioning or working correctly. It can refer to a broken machine, a disrupted schedule, or improper behavior.
The idiom "out of one's mind" means to be mentally deranged or insane.
The idiom "out of one's element" means to be in a situation or place where one feels uncomfortable or is not able to perform as well as usual.
The idiom "out of one's box" means to be acting in an unconventional or unexpected way, deviating from one's usual behavior or habits.
The idiom "out of line" means to behave inappropriately or to act in a way that is not acceptable or within the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior.
Curious Connotations
out of kilter is a related idiom that is often used interchangeably with "out of whack." Both phrases convey a similar meaning of something being out of proper functioning or balance. The term "kilter" refers to a state of proper order or alignment, so when something is "out of kilter," it means that it is not in its right state or position.
Similarly, the idiom "out of order" is another way to express the concept of something not functioning correctly or being in disarray. It is commonly used to describe broken or malfunctioning equipment or systems. When something is "out of order," it implies that it is not working as intended and needs to be fixed.
Another related idiom is "off-kilter," which has a similar connotation to "out of whack." It is used to describe something that is not quite right or is slightly askew. The term "off" suggests a deviation from the norm or expected state, while "kilter" refers to proper alignment or order.
Similarly, "out of place" is another idiom that is closely related to "out of whack." It is used to describe something that does not belong or fit into its surroundings. When something is "out of place," it is out of its proper position or context.
Lastly, "out of sorts" is an idiom that describes a state of being unwell or not feeling oneself. It is often used to express a general feeling of unease or discomfort. When someone is "out of sorts," they are not in their usual state of health or emotional well-being.
"out of whack" is an idiomatic phrase that is commonly used in American English to describe something that is not functioning correctly or is out of order. It is closely related to idioms such as "out of kilter," "out of order," "off-kilter," "out of place," and "out of sorts," all of which convey a similar sense of imbalance or disruption. These phrases are often employed in informal conversations, written texts, and professional domains to convey a sense of disorder, dysfunction, or deviation from the norm.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "out of whack" can be used in a sentence:
- My sleep schedule is out of whack since I started working night shifts.
- The balance on my bank statement is out of whack because of an error in the accounting system.
- His back is out of whack after lifting heavy furniture all day.
The idiom "out of whack" is typically used to describe something that is not working properly or in the correct order. It implies a sense of imbalance, disorganization, or dysfunction. It can refer to various situations such as disrupted schedules, incorrect measurements or calculations, or physical discomfort or misalignment.
More "Quirky" idioms
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