overstep the mark
Exceed acceptable limits
To overstep the mark is to go beyond what is acceptable or permitted, exceeding proper limits of behavior or authority: He overstepped the mark when he criticized her parenting.
The mark suggests a boundary line that shouldn't be crossed.
British English favors the mark while American English often uses overstep bounds or overstep the line.
- go too farExceed acceptable limits
- transgressViolate a boundary
- exceedGo past a limit
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- cross the lineExceed acceptable boundaries
trespass · infringe · impropriety · breach · audacity · throw weight around · faux pas · usurpation · impose · take liberties · tactlessness · encroach · overdo · intrusion · push the envelope · push one's luck · know no bounds · presumption
overstep the marktoe the line
Adhere to standards
know one's place · stay in one's lane · play by the rules · color inside the lines · follow the rules
overstep the markhold back
Prevent forward movement
keep in check · err on the side of caution · bite one's tongue · tread carefully · contain oneself
overstep, overstepping, overstepped, oversteps, step, steps, stepped, stepping, stepper