overstep the line
Cross the boundary
To overstep the line is to go beyond what is acceptable or permitted, violating boundaries of propriety, authority, or behavior.
The line is an imaginary threshold—once crossed, you've gone too far: He overstepped the line when he started criticizing her family.
Often shortened to simply overstep: I may have overstepped.
- transgressViolate a boundary
- trespassUnauthorized entry onto property
- overreachExceed one's capacity
- infringeViolate another's rights
- exceedGo past a limit
cross · boundaries · encroachment · flout · violation · breach of trust · impropriety · contravene · disobey · go too far · push your luck · presumption · take liberties · break · misconduct · intrusion · imposition · insensitivity
overstep the linetoe the line
Adhere to standards
stay in one's lane · play by the rules · follow the rules · know one's place · color inside the lines
overstep the linehold back
Prevent forward movement
show respect · err on the side of caution · bite one's tongue · tread carefully · hold one's tongue
overstep, overstepped, overstepping, oversteps, step, steps, stepped, stepping, stepper