out of gear

1. Of a geared vehicle or other mechanism, not engaged in any or the correct gear. The bump threw my bike chain out of gear.

2. By extension, out of control; into a state of confusion, disorder, or disarray. The huge protests have thrown traffic in the downtown area out of gear. The heavy rains have thrown life out of gear for residents across the state, many of whom having lost everything they owned in the flooding.

(slip/be thrown) out of ˈgear

(of emotions or situations) (become) out of control: She said nothing when he arrived in case her temper slipped out of gear.