off-scale

off-scale — idiom

1. used for an amount, level, or reaction that becomes far bigger or stronger than

1.慣用語C1
釋義

used for an amount, level, or reaction that becomes far bigger or stronger than people normally expect

例句

After the port strike, vegetable prices were off-scale in the island shops.

be off-scale for unusually high prices

Kemi said the crowd's excitement went off-scale when the singer returned.

go off-scale with an emotional reaction

同義詞
  • extreme

    broader and can describe situations, behavior, or opinions as well as amounts

  • huge

    common and less vivid; it focuses more on size than on going beyond a normal limit

  • sky-high

    usually used for prices, costs, or numbers that shoot upward

反義詞
  • modest

    staying at a small or moderate level

  • limited

    kept within a narrow range rather than becoming extreme

文法句型

be off-scale

go off-scale

off-scale prices / demand / reaction

用法筆記

Most often follows be or go and describes prices, numbers, demand, or reactions that rise far beyond the usual range. It sounds stronger and more vivid than simply saying something is very high.

常見錯誤

❌The cafe was off-scale busy with six customers.
✅The cafe was very busy with six customers.
💡off-scale suggests something far beyond the normal range, not a small increase.
❌My tea was off-scale hot this morning.
✅My tea was extremely hot this morning.
💡off-scale is more natural for large amounts, levels, or reactions than for a small everyday sensation.