out of key

Idioms and Phrases

see under in key .

Example Sentences

With the focus more on sonic texture than song structure, the album is a smorgasbord of buzzing basslines, prominent piano chords and out-of-key synths.

From The Guardian

After a shaky and out-of-key performance at the Grammys earlier in the month, after which Adele said she cried all day, she closed the show with an accomplished rendition of "When We Were Young", a song from "25", having changed into a star-spangled glittery gown before her performance.

From Reuters

Popping open a bottle of prosecco, they sang “Happy Birthday” in German, their out-of-key voices ringing into the clear night air.

From New York Times

Brad Childress sat forward in his chair and, in his scratchy, out-of-key baritone, started an old Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune.

From Seattle Times

Out of his alto comes resentful sadness in the title tune; from his violin wails an out-of-key nightmare symphony in Sound Gravitation; his trumpet drives an impatient bleating note down Freeway Express.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• bitter
• bleak
• grim
• hard
• rigid
• severe
• sharp
• strident