push the limit
Test maximum capacity
To push the limit is to approach or exceed the boundary of what's allowed, possible, or safe.
The phrase suggests testing constraints—whether physical, legal, or social: She pushed the limit on her credit card, He's always pushing the limit with his boss.
Athletes push their limits; teenagers push their parents' limits.
The singular limit emphasizes a specific threshold, while push the limits suggests broader boundaries.
Sudden important advance
- exceedGo past a limit
- transcendGo beyond limits
- surpassExceed in achievement
- outdoExceed in achievement
overcome · excel · outperform · shatter · break through · go beyond · outpace · eclipse
Desire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
tenacity · resilience · persistence · effort · fortitude · dedication · drive · willpower
Exceed proper limits
- overreachExceed one's capacity
- overextendExceed one's limits
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
danger zone · red line · breaking point · too far · collapse · injury · strain · exhaustion
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
outdo · overcome · excel · outperform · shatter · break through · go beyond · outpace · eclipse · peak
ambition
Desire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
grit · tenacity · resilience · persistence · effort · fortitude · dedication · drive · willpower · hustle
overstep
Exceed proper limits
- overreachExceed one's capacity
- overextendExceed one's limits
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
reckless · danger zone · red line · breaking point · too far · collapse · injury · strain · exhaustion · gamble
- maximum effortall-out, full throttle, go all out, go hard, all in
push the limitplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
err on the side of caution · hedge one's bets · hold back · pull one's punches · settle for less
push the limitcoast
Land beside the ocean
phone it in · go through the motions · take it easy · rest on one's laurels · settle for less
push the limittoe the line
Adhere to standards
follow the rules · color inside the lines · stay in one's lane · conform · keep one's head down
push, limit, pushed, pushes, pushing, pusher, pushers, limits, limited