informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl

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.

1. Needing repair; not working right.

My watch runs too slowly; it must be out of kilter.

Syn.: OUT OF ORDER (2). Categories: adjective informal