out of order

out of order

1. Not functioning properly or at all. Sorry, the vending machine is out of order. You'll have to go across the street to get a snack.
2. Contrary to or in violation of acceptable rules, conventions, or standards; improper or inappropriate. Mr. Thomson, you're out of order! If you don't rein in your behavior, I'll have you charged with contempt of court. She was definitely out of order, but she apologized to me the next day.
See also: of, order, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

out of order

 
1. Lit. [of something or things] out of the proper sequence. She noticed that the books on the shelf were out of order. All these cards were alphabetized, and now they're out of order.
2. Fig. [of something] incapable of operating; [of something] broken. The elevator is out of order again. My stereo is out of order.
3. Fig. not following correct parliamentary procedure. I was declared out of order by the chair. Anne inquired, "Isn't a motion to table the question out of order at this time?"
See also: of, order, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

out of order

1. Not functioning well, not operating properly or at all, as in The oil burner is out of order again. [Mid-1500s]
2. Unsuitable, inappropriate, as in Her comments about the management were out of order. Also see out of line, def. 1.
3. Not following parliamentary procedure, as in The chair called him out of order.
See also: of, order, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

out of order

COMMON
1. A machine or device that is out of order is broken and does not work. Their phone's out of order. Inside, the lift was out of order so she took the stairs.
2. If you say that someone or their behaviour is out of order, you mean that their behaviour is unacceptable or unfair. You don't think the paper's a bit out of order in publishing it? Hey, sorry, I was a bit out of order yesterday.
See also: of, order, out
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

out of order

1 not in normal sequence. 2 (of a machine) not working. 3 (of behaviour) improper or unacceptable. informal
See also: of, order, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌout of ˈorder


1 (of a machine, etc.) broken or not working properly: The phone is out of order again. There was a notice on the toilet door saying ‘out of order’.
2 (British English) (American English ˌout of ˈline) (informal) (of behaviour, remarks, etc.) not acceptable in a particular situation: Your remarks were completely out of order at a meeting like that.
See also: of, order, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be out of fix
  • snack on
  • snack on (something)
  • buck
  • be still going strong
  • be (still) going strong
  • flame out
  • grind to a halt
  • grind to a halt, to
  • grind to a halt/standstill