out of character
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Plaza loves how “freeing” animation is — “your imagination can run totally wild” — she says that even though it’s out of character for her, she’d play the “bad cop” in the writers room.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
"It's out of character for him," Ken said.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
It’s his money, but I believe he may be depleting his retirement account, which is very out of character for him.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
The quality of the United move that led to the winner 19 minutes from time was out of character with an otherwise uninspired 90 minutes.
From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026
During the brief break, on instructions from CBS officials, Orson Welles was told to step out of character and explain to the audience that the program was a play.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
