【in disorder】 —showing absence of order; in confusion:

• Investigators said they found some of his personal belongings and papers 【in disorder】 .

【not in order】 —(also: out of order)

1. (of a machine, etc.) not working properly:

• Noting that the elevator is 【not in order】 , she dials for a repairman and waits for his arrival.

2. (of a passport, etc.) not valid; not as it should be:

• Joel apparently could not stay in Istanbul (he was deported as his papers were 【not in order】 )….

3. (formal) not in conformity with the prescribed mode of behavior:

• It is 【not in order】 to interrupt and the Senator would not have been interrupted had I been in the Chair.