out of proportion

Idioms and Phrases

Also, out of all proportion . Not in proper relation to other things, especially by being the wrong size or amount. For example, This vase looks out of proportion on this small table , or Her emotional response was out of all proportion to the circumstances . The noun proportion means “an agreeable or harmonious relationship of one thing relative to another.” [Early 1700s] The antonym in proportion dates from the late 1600s and also refers either to physical size or appropriate degree, as in The bird's wings are huge in proportion to its body , or Her willingness to believe him stands in direct proportion to her love for intrigue .

Example Sentences

“Hitches will occur. These things happen every election.... They may be mischaracterized or blown out of proportion on social media,” Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomon said Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris supporters have criticized media coverage of the dustup as out of proportion, especially in light of the fact that Trump routinely uses similarly derogatory language.

From Los Angeles Times

The parent, who did not want to be identified to protect their child’s anonymity, said the incident was “blown out of proportion.”

From Los Angeles Times

They told the reporter they believe the media blows it all out of proportion or it's all just an act.

From Salon

The Times quotes one man who intends to vote for Trump who said, “’I think the media blows stuff out of proportion for sensationalism.’”

From Salon

Related Words

• disproportionately
• extremely
• immensely
• improperly
• inordinately
• overly
• too
• unfairly
• unjustifiably
• unjustly
• unnecessarily
• unreasonably