off-kilter

off-kilter

1. Out of equilibrium; not straight, level, or aligned properly; in a state of confusion or chaos. I felt a bit off-kilter for a while after receiving that blow to the head during football practice. The economy has remained off-kilter in many countries across Europe, even as the global economy has started to recover. Between my divorce, the death of my best friend, and the financial troubles at work, it seems like everything in my life has gone off-kilter recently.
2. Not working correctly or properly; out of order; out of w(h)ack. It sounds like your car's engine is a bit off-kilter. I'd recommend taking it to a mechanic before you go for any long drives.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be off-kilter
  • kilter
  • be out of 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
Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at interior design site Modsy, thinks rug pads are overlooked when decorating -- they prevent rugs from shifting to off-kilter angles, reduce wear and protect wood floors from scratches -- not to mention the extra layer of "coosh" they offer.
Despite its lengthy running time, the film is a tense and tightly-coiled affair, with Gibson and Vaughn terrific as the hard-bitten cops at ease in their world of violence, sexism and casual racism, but also following their own off-kilter moral code.
Despite its lengthy running time, the film is a tense and tightly oiled affair, with Gibson and Vaughn terrific as the tough guy cops at ease in their world of violence, sexism and casual racism, but also following their own off-kilter moral code.
This shark represents an off-kilter take on the marine theme, an essential element of the brand ever since its creation in 1846.
Produced by Flos in 1967, the fixture's oblong reflector, griplike cooling holes, and off-kilter marble base became iconic--a status it enjoys to this day.
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (15) HHHH H THIS off-kilter horror thriller beats with a sinister power that cuts Colin Farrell to the quick.
Actor Chris Hemsworth has praised actress Cate Blanchett for giving an interesting twist to Thor: Ragnarok , saying she adds "insane off-kilter attitude" to the role of Hela, the film's female villain.
Janos Szasz uses ear-stabbing, slasher-film music and off-kilter camera angles to heighten the terror and disorientation, but the most unnerving effect in 'The Notebook' may be the twins themselves, played by actual siblings, Laszlo and Andras Gyemant.
Norwegian Magnus August H[degrees]iberg, aka Cashmere Cat, has made a name for himself bringing his unique, off-kilter approach to producing songs.
Available in DVD, Blu-ray, and video-on-demand formats, The Steps is an off-kilter, independent comedy about a family visit that devolves into a clash of lifestyles and expectations.
Frankenweenie is a charming and impeccably crafted stop-motion animation about a misfit out of step with his off-kilter surroundings.
There's off-kilter appeal but not much hilarity or point to "The Arbalest," a droll curiosity about a fictional toy-manufacturing magnate in the late 1960s and '70s.
Now racing is added to this range of pocket-sized primers via a slim volume authored by our very own David Ashforth, whose witty, off-kilter columns were such a staple of The Sporting Life and Racing Post for more than 20 years.
In this off-kilter tale spun out with dry humor, Johnny delves beneath stark Western landscapes both literal and figurative to unearth the truths behind his nightmares.
With a playful, off-kilter approach, Dop thoughtfully examines poetic aspects of a varied life, and his perspective is refreshing.