in bounds
Inside the lines
In bounds describes something within the established boundaries of a playing field or court, as opposed to out of bounds.
A ball that lands in bounds remains in play: The ref ruled the catch was in bounds.
The phrase extends to anything within acceptable limits: Your question is in bounds—ask away.
- fairImpartial and unbiased
- fair playHonorable conduct in games
- legalPermitted by statute
- validLegally or logically sound
- insideThe inner area
in play · ball in play · court · field · playing field · line · white lines · play · sideline · baseline · referee · whistle · good call · catch · ruling · territory · limit · zone
- tennisace, serve, forehand, backhand, volley
- Status phrasesat home, in town, on site, in transit, on location
- courtsfamily court, civil court, district court, criminal court, circuit court
- boundariesborders, border, edges, edge, limits
- court markingsthree-point line, free throw line, baseline, center line, sideline
spatial legality in sports/games
in boundsout of bounds
Beyond permitted limits
out · foul · dead ball · touchback · over the line
rule compliance/permissibility
in boundsout of bounds
Beyond permitted limits
off limits · forbidden · prohibited · impermissible · beyond the pale