go out of kilter

1. To be or 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 gone out of kilter recently. The economies of nearly every country in the world went out of kilter after the economic collapse. I'm sorry, I was sleeping all day. I really go out of kilter when I travel overseas, and it takes me awhile to recover.

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 gone a bit out of kilter. I'd recommend taking it to a mechanic before you go for any long drives. Seems like the washing machine's gone out of kilter—these clothes are all sopping wet and don't smell clean! Just give that ol' TV a good smack when it goes out of kilter.