out of kilter
out of kilter {adj. phr.}, {informal}
1. Not balanced right; not in a straight line or lined up right.
The scale must be out of kilter because when I weighed myself on it, it said 300 pounds.
The wheels of my bicycle were out of kilter after it hit the tree.
Contrast: IN BALANCE.
2. Needing repair; not working right.
My watch runs too slowly; it must be out of kilter.
Syn.: OUT OF ORDER (2).
Categories:
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
