ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throw off balance

idiom
Meaning

To unsettle, to catch by surprise.


Examples
SIMPLE

The sudden question threw me off balance.

CONTEXTUAL

The unexpected news about the company merger threw the entire team off balance during the morning meeting.

COMPLEX

His sudden change in tone during the debate threw the opponent off balance, leaving him unable to formulate a coherent response.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    balance out

    To attain balance through the contrasting or reciprocating effect of different elements.

  2. 02

    balance the books

    To add up all the debits and credits.

  3. 03

    check and balance

    Provide mutual oversight and limitation by independent organizations in order to prevent abuses of power.

  4. 04

    hang in the balance

    To be in a precarious situation, unsure of the future.

  5. 05

    lock someone up and throw away the key

    To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.

  6. 06

    stone's throw

    A short distance, roughly equivalent to how far a person can throw a stone.

  7. 07

    throw a bone to

    To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to.

  8. 08

    throw a fit

    To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.

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