out of proportion

1. 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

But while it has touched a nerve for many people who are at high risk for skin cancer simply by virtue of being Australian, Dr Wong said she felt the panic triggered by the investigation was blown out of proportion.

From BBC

This feels like just another case of the media blowing unimportant findings way out of proportion.

From Slate

It also said the positioning of her upper arms and elbow joints made her look "out of proportion."

From BBC

The ASA also said the model's head appeared out of proportion with the rest of her body which further highlighted her small frame.

From BBC

That said, it is really important to emphasize, because I do think some of that fear is out of proportion to the scale of this: If you look at the map of where a lot of these arrests are happening, L.A. is a massive city, and a lot of these operations have been concentrated in a few small areas.

From Slate

Related Words

• absolute 
• dire 
• drastic 
• egregious 
• exaggerated 
• exceptional 
• excessive 
• extraordinary 
• harsh 
• irrational 
• outrageous 
• radical 
• remarkable 
• severe 
• sheer 
• unreasonable 
• unusual 
• utter