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out of turn

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out of turn

not at the proper time; not in the proper or expected order. We were permitted to be served out of turn because we had to leave early. Bill tried to register out of turn and was sent away.

See also: of, out, turn

out of turn

1. Not in the proper order or sequence, as in When her doubles partner began to serve out of turn, their opponents called the umpire. [Late 1800s]

2. In an inappropriate manner or at an inappropriate time, as in I may be out of turn telling you, but shorts are not permitted in the restaurant. [First half of 1900s] Also see speak out of turn.

See also: of, out, turn