PhrasesHub

Out of gear

    Definitions

      • not functioning properly
        Describe something that is not working as it should, such as a machine or a person's mind or body

      • not in harmony
        Describe a situation where things are not in sync or not working together smoothly

    Examples of Out of gear

    • The old car had been sitting in the garage for years, and when John tried to start it up, he realized it was completely out of gear.

      In this example, "out of gear" is being used to describe a physical state, specifically the state of a car's transmission. When a car is in gear, it is ready to move when the accelerator is pressed. When it's out of gear, it's as if the car isn't even connected to the wheels, and it won't move no matter how hard the accelerator is pressed.

    • Adam's mind was completely out of gear after hearing the devastating news.

      Here, "out of gear" is being used metaphorically to describe Adam's mental state. When something is out of gear, it isn't functioning as it should be. In this case, Adam's mind isn't working properly after receiving upsetting news, as if his thoughts are scattered and disconnected.

    • The train had somehow gotten out of gear and was careening down the tracks at an alarming speed.

      This example uses "out of gear" to describe a situation where something has malfunctioned, causing it to behave in an unexpected and dangerous way. In this scenario, the train's transmission has malfunctioned, causing it to speed up involuntarily, putting the passengers in danger.

    • Sarah's life had spiraled out of gear, leaving her feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.

      "Out of gear" is here being used as a metaphor for a life that has lost its direction or purpose. Just as a car that is out of gear can't go anywhere, Sarah's life has become unmanageable and she's not sure where to turn to regain her bearings.

    • My mind is out of gear today.

      This idiom is used when someone's thoughts or mental processes are not functioning properly. It might be due to fatigue, stress, or a lack of focus. In this example, the speaker is indicating that they are having difficulty thinking clearly or efficiently.

    • Her car was out of gear when she tried to shift.

      This idiom refers to a car's gears being in the wrong position, preventing it from moving. In this case, the speaker is describing a situation where the person trying to shift gears encountered a problem.

    • My schedule is all out of gear.

      This idiom is often used to refer to a disorganized or unstructured schedule. It suggests that there is a mismatch between the activities planned and the time available, making it difficult to complete tasks efficiently.

    • He's out of gear with us.

      This idiom is used to indicate that someone is not in sync with a group or situation. It suggests that the person is not able to integrate themselves into the group's dynamics, resulting in a lack of coordination or efficiency.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "out of gear" can be used to describe something that is not functioning properly, whether it be a machine or a person's mind or body. It can also be used to describe a situation where things are not in harmony or working together smoothly.

    Origin of "Out of gear"

    The origin of the idiom "out of gear" comes from the early days of machinery, particularly with regards to gears and their function in machines. When a gear is not functioning properly or is not in sync with the other gears, it can cause the entire machine to malfunction. This idea was then extended to describe situations or people that are not operating as they should, leading to the usage of the idiom to describe something that is not working properly or in harmony. Over time, the idiom has become a common phrase in the English language to convey the idea of something being out of order or not in sync. An example of this can be seen in the expression "my mind feels out of gear today," indicating that one's thoughts are not functioning properly.