going too far
Exceeding acceptable limits
Going too far means exceeding acceptable limits—pushing past what's appropriate, reasonable, or tolerable.
The phrase implies a line has been crossed: The prank was funny until they went too far.
What counts as too far depends on context; a joke that goes too far offends, a policy that goes too far overreaches, a person who goes too far becomes excessive or extreme.
- immoderateBeyond reasonable bounds
- unreasonableNot guided by reason
- over the topExcessively theatrical or extreme
- oversteppingExceeding appropriate bounds
- exorbitantUnreasonably high, as costs
extreme · crossing the line · overkill · intemperate · overreaction · pushing it · indiscreet · extravagant · transgression · beyond the pale · overreach · out of bounds · fanaticism · encroachment · trespassing · go too far · taking liberties · intruding
- Risk-Takingplaying with fire, rolling the dice, taking chances, living on the edge, high stakes
going too farholding back
Preventing forward movement
playing it safe · moderation · self-control · temperance · falling short
going too farself-control
Ability to restrain impulses
temperance · prudence · discretion · measured response · keeping one's cool