proportion (redirected from proportionment)

*out of (all) proportion

of exaggerated importance; of an unrealistic importance or size compared to something else. (*Typically: be ~; blow something ~; grow ~.) Thisproblem has grown out of all proportion. Yes, this figure is way out of proportion to the others in the painting.

See also: out

disaster of epic proportions

Cliché a very large disaster. (Often jocular.) The earthquake was responsible for a disaster of epic proportions. Your late arrival caused a disaster of epic proportions.

See also: disaster

in proportion

showing the correct size or proportion relative to something else. That man's large head is not in proportion to his small body. The cartoonist drew the dog in proportion to its surroundings.

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blow something out of (all) proportion

to behave as if something that has happened is much worse than it really is They had a minor argument in a restaurant but the press have blown it out of all proportion, speculating about divorce.

See also: blow, out

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blow something out of (all) proportion

to make something seem more important than it actually is I thought the picture of him wearing a dress was pretty funny, but the local newspapers blew it out of all proportion.

Usage notes: often used with other adverbs to make a stronger statement: This case has been blown totally out of proportion. She blew the figures way out of proportion.

Related vocabulary: make a mountain out of a molehill

See also: blow, out