be out of kilter

be out of kilter

1. To be out of equilibrium; to not be straight, level, or aligned properly; to be in a state of chaos or confusion. I've been out of kilter ever since I got that blow to the head during football practice. The economy is still out of kilter in many countries across Europe, even as the global economy has started to recover.
2. To not work correctly or properly; to be out of order; to be out of w(h)ack. It sounds like your car's engine is a bit out of kilter. I'd recommend taking it to a mechanic before you go for any long drives.
See also: kilter, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be off-kilter
  • kilter
  • off-kilter
  • out of kilter
  • go out of kilter
  • get off-kilter
  • get out of kilter
  • go off-kilter
  • out of kilter/whack
  • coming or going, not know if one is
References in periodicals archive
She is well at the moment, and able to jog again, but her body thermostat seems to be out of kilter. Can you recommend something