in the wrong box

obsolete In the wrong place or situation; out of one's normal environment or natural element. I must tell you that I find myself in the wrong box with this affair. It is rather awkward for me to be dealing so directly with the upper crust of the country. I seem to be in the wrong box here. Can you help me with the horses? A: "Your gown is exquisite, but you look so uncomfortable." B: "That's because I know I'm in the wrong box at a gala affair like this!"

in the wrong box

placed unsuitably or awkwardly; in difficulty or at a disadvantage.

This phrase perhaps arose with reference to an apothecary's boxes, from which a mistaken choice might have provided poison instead of medicine.