out of proportion

out of proportion

Not the correct size or scale in relation to other things. The crime rate in this city is way out of proportion to its population size. It was just a minor tremor, not even a proper earthquake, but the media has it blown all out of proportion.

See also: of, out, proportion

*out of (all) proportion

of exaggerated importance; of an unrealistic importance or size compared to something else. (*Typically: be ~; blow something ~; grow ~.) Thisproblem has grown out of all proportion. Yes, this figure is way out of proportion to the others in the painting.

See also: of, out, proportion

out of proportion

Also, out of all proportion. Not in proper relation to other things, especially by being the wrong size or amount. For example, This vase looks out of proportion on this small table, or Her emotional response was out of all proportion to the circumstances. The noun proportion means "an agreeable or harmonious relationship of one thing relative to another." [Early 1700s] The antonym in proportion dates from the late 1600s and also refers either to physical size or appropriate degree, as in The bird's wings are huge in proportion to its body, or Her willingness to believe him stands in direct proportion to her love for intrigue.

See also: of, out, proportion

out of (all) proˈportion (to something)

greater or more important, serious, etc. than it really is or should be: When you’re depressed, it’s very easy to get things out of proportion. ♢ The punishment is out of all proportion to the crime.

See also: of, out, proportion