be taken out of context

To be removed from the surrounding words or circumstances that give something its complete, original, or genuine meaning. She denied the claims, stating that the quote circulating on social media was taken out of context. Their decision certainly seems shady if it's taken out of context, but it's not nearly so nefarious once you understand the variety of influencing factors. It's hard to know what's going on in the picture when it's completely taken out of context like this.