out of kilter

== English == === Alternative forms === out of kelter === Etymology === From out of + kilter, kelter (“good condition, form, or order; fettle”). The latter word is of uncertain origin, but appears widely in a British dialect and also in the United States. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌaʊt əv ˈkɪltə/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌaʊt əv ˈkɪltɚ/ Hyphenation: out of kil‧ter === Prepositional phrase === out of kilter (idiomatic) Askew, disturbed; not adjusted or working properly; out of order. Synonyms: see Thesaurus:out of order ==== Usage notes ==== The term is often preceded by throw, as in “an impact can throw the adjustment out of kilter”. ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References ===