out of gear

English

Prepositional phrase

out of gear

  1. With gears not engaged; idle.
    • 1854, Dickens, Hard Times, Chapter 11:
      The work went on, until the noon-bell rang. More clattering upon the pavements. The looms, and wheels, and Hands all out of gear for an hour.
  2. Out of control; in disarray.
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