pushed it
Tested the limits
Pushed it means to go too far or test limits beyond what's acceptable or safe.
Someone who pushed it took a risk, extended a deadline to the last moment, or crossed a line: I knew I was pushing it by asking for another extension.
The phrase often appears in hindsight after consequences arrive: He pushed it and got caught.
Can also describe physical or creative effort taken to extremes: The director really pushed it with that final scene.
- overexertedStrained through excessive effort
- went too farExceeded acceptable bounds
- daredShowed bold courage
- took a riskActed despite uncertainty
- challengedDisputed or questioned
ventured · gambled · strained · provoked · crossed the line · fatigued · exceeded · aggravated · exasperated · tested · played with fire · pioneered · stretched · experimented · upped the ante · pressured · innovated · irritated
pushed itplayed it safe
Acted to minimize risk
erred on the side of caution · chickened out · backed off · tested the waters · pulled back
pushed ittoed the line
Adhered to standards
held back · pulled back · quit while ahead · deferred · colored inside the lines
pushed itcoasted
Moved on momentum
took it easy · mailed it in · cruised · eased up · slacked off
push, pushed, pushing, pushes, pusher, pushers, pushy, pushiness