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out of kilter

idiom

used to describe something that is not in the exactly right position or condition or is not working in the usual or proper way, etc.
Unexpected expenses threw the budget out of kilter.

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Cite this Entry

“Out of kilter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out%20of%20kilter. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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