get off-kilter

1. To become out of equilibrium; to become not straight, level, or aligned properly; to be in a state of chaos or confusion. Between my divorce, the death of my best friend, and the financial troubles at work, it seems like everything in my life has gotten off-kilter recently. John got a little off-kilter after being knocked in the head in football practice earlier. I'm sorry, I was sleeping all day. I got off-kilter when I traveled overseas, and I still haven't recovered.

2. To stop working correctly or properly; to be or become out of order; to be out of w(h)ack. It sounds like your car's engine has gotten a bit off-kilter. I'd recommend taking it to a mechanic before you go for any long drives. A: "How did the washing machine get off-kilter?" B: "I don't know, but these clothes are all sopping wet and don't smell clean!" Just give that ol' TV a good smack when it gets off-kilter.