out of phase

out of phase (with someone or something)

1. Not or no longer happening, functioning, or moving at the same time and pace as someone or something else; in an unsynchronized or uncoordinated manner (with someone or something). Primarily heard in UK. The soldiers got in trouble for being out of phase while marching. Is it just me, or is the audio out of phase with the movie?

2. Not sharing the same or similar goals, ideals, desires, likes, dislikes, etc.; having the different or dissimilar perspectives or opinions. Primarily heard in UK. I don't think I'll go out with her again. It just seemed like we were out of phase on every topic. If your team is out of phase with one another, you're going to have a hard time getting this project done.

See also: of, out, phase, someone

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

out of phase

Also, out of sync. In an unsynchronized or uncorrelated way. For example, Inventory control and shipping are out of phase, so we can't rely on their figures, or The lights are out of sync and keep flashing at random. For dates, see the antonym in phase.

See also: of, out, phase

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

in ˈphase/out of ˈphase (with something)

(British English) working/not working together in the right way: The traffic lights were out of phase.

See also: of, out, phase

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

out of phase

In an unsynchronized or uncorrelated way.

See also: of, out, phase

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.