went too far
Crossed the line
Went too far means exceeded acceptable limits—in behavior, speech, or action.
The phrase implies crossing a line that shouldn't have been crossed: The joke went too far and hurt her feelings.
It often appears in judgments after the fact: I think the punishment went too far.
Someone who goes too far has pushed past what the situation warranted.
- encroachAdvance beyond proper limits
- oversteppedWent past acceptable limits
- intrudeEnter uninvited
- exceededWent past a limit
- overshotWent too far
extreme · over the top · crossed the line · breach · usurp · unacceptable · beyond the pale · dishonored · exaggerated · overindulged · violate · alienated · cheated · trespass · offended · inappropriate · betrayed · corrupted
degree of action/restraint
went too farheld back
Kept from advancing
played it safe · stopped short · erred on the side of caution · pulled back · took it easy