A brain-out-of-gear situation (Idiom)

[James Brandon]

To get one's brain in gear is to make oneself concentrate, and start thinking in a clear and effective manner.

I have heard the expression a brain-out-of-gear situation. I would like to form a better idea as to what is meant here: a situation where I cannot think straight (because I am tired, or drunk or whatever), or a situation that is stupid in itself, or...

Thanks.

 

[bibliolept]

I would interpret it as meaning that one's thoughts got crossed, that one was temporarily confused or distracted, like putting a car in the wrong gear while driving.

 

[James Brandon]

OK, so it would be a situation where your brain is confused and malfunctioning, quite literally, as it were.

 

[lordterrin]

Yes I agree as well, if someone were to say that to me, I would think that they had their thoughts crossed for a moment, just like a car not being able to find the right gear. Though, at least in AE, I have never heard this expression used, but I'd understand it if someone used it.

 

[James Brandon]

I came across it recently in the UK, whether it was in print (in a newspaper) or in conversation or on the radio - I do not remember the exact time and place and coordinates of the source...

I get the impression "brain out of gear" is less commonly used than "get (one's) brain in gear".

 

[se16teddy]

I am familiar with the motto engage your brain before opening your mouth: engage sounds like a gear metaphor to me.

 

[James Brandon]

Teddy,

You are most probably right on the 'gear metaphor': the brain, the brain-box, the gear-box...I suppose they can be linked in one's mind.