testing limits
Probing maximum capacity
Testing limits is the act of pushing against boundaries to discover where they actually lie.
Children test limits with parents, employees test limits with bosses, engineers test limits of materials.
The phrase implies probing rather than outright defiance—finding out what you can get away with or how far something can stretch: He's testing limits to see what the new teacher will tolerate.
It can also mean exploring one's own capacity: She's testing her limits as a marathon runner.
- pushingApplying force to move
- pushing the envelopeChallenging established limits
- boundariesLines marking separation
- crossing the lineExceeding acceptable boundaries
- breakingComing apart suddenly
edge · on the edge · threshold · breaking point · point of no return · endurance · strain · stress · pressure · danger zone · daring · risk · playing with fire · challenge · going too far · defiance · rebellion · beyond the pale
- Risk-Takingplaying with fire, rolling the dice, taking chances, living on the edge, going for broke
- toddler behaviortantrums, whining, pouting, saying no, defiance
- racing rulesdisqualification, false start, eligibility, penalty points, interference
- child curiositywonder, questions, why questions, exploration, imagination
testing limitsplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · risk aversion · hedging bets · holding back
testing limitstoeing the line
Adhering to expectations
coloring inside the lines · conforming · obeying · compliance · complying
testing limitssettling
Reaching resolution or rest
coasting · resting on one's laurels · taking it easy · underachieving · going through the motions
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