The confusing new regulations threw the whole system out of joint.
Which of the following defines "out of joint" as used in the sentence above?

Question

The confusing new regulations threw the whole system out of joint. 
Which of the following defines "out of joint" as used in the sentence above?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From the context of the target sentence, we learn that there are new regulations that have had an impact the system. The use of the word "threw" suggests that the impact was not positive, so we can infer that "out of  joint" here means "not working or operating properly."
Part of the body where two bones meet is incorrect. One of the meanings of joint is "part of the body where two bones meet." (e.g. My grandmother had her knee joint replaced.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can infer that this is not the meaning of the phrase.
A restaurant, bar, etc. is incorrect. One of the meanings of joint is "a restaurant, bar, etc." (e.g. There's a new hamburger joint on Main Street.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can guess that the phrase is not used that way here.
A type of communal project is incorrect. When placed in the context of the target sentence, this answer choice does not make sense.

The Confusing New Regulations Threw the Whole System Out of Joint