out of place

Idioms and Phrases

Not in the proper situation, not belonging; inappropriate for the circumstances or location. For example, A high school graduate, she felt out of place among all these academics with advanced degrees , or This velvet sofa is out of place on the porch . This idiom uses place in the sense of “a fitting position.” [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

"I felt so stupid and out of place for not knowing private schools existed and so it affected my academic ability," she said.

From BBC

That might explain why these tech titans can look slightly out of place in gold chains and oversized jackets, Mair said.

From Salon

Getting seasoned operagoer Phillip to open up is the goal, so Elsbeth needs to look out of place without alienating the suspect.

From Los Angeles Times

I felt as conspicuously white and out of place as I’ve ever felt in my life.

From Salon

She described the joke as "deeply offensive" and said the routine felt "wildly out of place" - and implored her fellow Republicans to engage in "thoughtful and respectful conversations".

From BBC

Related Words

• awkward
• erroneous
• false
• ill-advised
• imprudent
• inaccurate
• inadmissible
• inappropriate
• incorrect
• irregular
• unwarranted
• wrong