out of kilter

out of kilter

1. if something is out of kilter, it is not operating or working as it should. Even one sleepless night can throw your body out of kilter.

2. if two things are out of kilter, or if one thing is out of kilter with another, they are not similar any more. A further tax increase on cigarettes would put Britain out of kilter with the rest of Europe. (often + with)

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out of kilter

1. not working well or not in good condition. Going just one night without sleep throws me out of kilter for a couple of days afterward. She wasn't behaving normally — her sense of humor was out of kilter.

2. not matching. His fancy new home seems slightly out of kilter with his plain, quiet image.