out of proportion

English

Alternative forms

• out of all proportion

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

out of proportion

1. (idiomatic) Not in a proper or pleasing relation to other things, especially in terms of size.

   I only said that she wasn't as young as she used to be, and her response was out of proportion.

   • 1955, Philip Larkin, The Less Deceived, Toads:

     Six days of the week it [work] soils / With its sickening poison — / Just for paying a few bills! / That's out of proportion.

Usage notes

• Generally used to describe something that is far too large or severe, such as a punishment or an angry reaction.

Translations

Translations

• Finnish: kohtuuton (fi), suhteeton
• French: hors de proportion, disproportionné (fr)