What does “Out of Whack” mean?
"Out of Whack" means that something is not functioning properly or is out of order.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The clock in the kitchen is out of whack and always shows the wrong time.
Example
My car's engine is out of whack and needs to be repaired.
Example
The printer at the office is out of whack and keeps jamming the paper
Is “Out of Whack” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of Whack” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Out of Whack” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of Whack" to describe something that is not functioning properly or is out of order. It can refer to physical objects, systems, or even people's emotions or mental states. For example, if someone's schedule is disorganized and chaotic, you might say, 'Their life is completely out of whack.'
- 1Time
The clock in the kitchen is out of whack and always shows the wrong time.
- 2Mechanical Issues
My car's engine is out of whack and needs to be repaired.
- 3Office Equipment
The printer at the office is out of whack and keeps jamming the paper.
Similar phrases to “Out of Whack”:
Off-kilter
Not balanced or aligned correctly
Example
The painting on the wall is a bit off-kilter.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of Whack” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of Whack" is unknown.
Is “Out of Whack” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of Whack" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe things that are not functioning properly or are out of order.
What tone does “Out of Whack” have?
"Out of Whack" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It implies that something is not working as it should and may cause inconvenience or disruption.
Can “Out of Whack” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of Whack" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a situation where something is not functioning properly. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The computer system is completely out of whack.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Everything is "out of whack"!' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
- organized
- functioning properly
- in order
- aligned correctly
- working smoothly
