stepped out of line
Violated expected behavior
Stepped out of line means behaved inappropriately or exceeded acceptable boundaries.
The image is of someone breaking formation—literally leaving a queue or rank where orderly conduct is expected.
Usually implies a breach of authority or social norms that invites correction: He stepped out of line with his supervisor and got written up.
If you step out of line again, you're off the team.
- deviatedDeparted from standard
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- defianceOpen resistance to authority
disobedience · acted up · mutiny · went rogue · transgression · out of bounds · dissent · infraction · backlash · originality · protest · creativity · unconventionality · ostracism · rocked the boat · misconduct · uniqueness · retaliation
stepped out of linetoed the line
Adhered to standards
fell in line · obeyed · conformed · complied · submitted
step, stepped, stepping, stepwise, outing, outermost, line, linear, lineage