cross the limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross the limit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone has gone beyond what is acceptable, permissible, or reasonable. For example: "Tom has crossed the limit this time - he was caught stealing from the store!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I go to the limit but not cross the limit, no?" There was no point.

The Guardian - Sport

Subscribers would cross the limit, have their service cancelled, and be provided no recourse.

The Economist

By authorizing a union to collect fees from nonmembers and permitting the use of an opt-out system for the collection of fees levied to cover nonchargeable expenses, our prior decisions approach, if they do not cross, the limit of what the First Amendment can tolerate.

Cornell University

In case he hadn't made it sufficiently clear that 60 years of Supreme Court precedents are now hanging by a thread, Justice Alito continued: "Our prior decisions approach, if they do not cross, the limit of what the First Amendment can tolerate".

The New York Times

Considering the average results of different scaled ground motions, it is observed that nearly all the structural models cross the limit of repairable damage for the 10/50 hazard level with many of them close to collapse under MCE level ground motions.

Procedia Engineering

Individuals that cannot complete the entire natural stage of life are greater in number than those that cross the limit, and many are those that stay below the height they could attain.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For some who cross the limits, punishment can be harsh.

The New York Times - Arts

A student told her: "We are good Muslims, so when on campus boys cross the limits, we have to check them.

The New York Times - Books

The company's app was also able to stop 62percentt of attempts by users to cross the limits they'd set for themselves.

TechCrunch

"Freedom of expression should end at and not cross the limits of offending others over their colour, race or religion," he adds.

BBC

In a response typifying the attitude of the authorities, the inspector general of police, Shahidul Hoque, called on bloggers not to "cross the limits" or offend people's religious sentiments.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross the limit" to describe situations where a boundary – whether physical, ethical, or legal – has been breached. Ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the limit being crossed.

Common error

Avoid using "cross the limit" in contexts where a simple mistake or misunderstanding occurs. This phrase implies a deliberate or significant overstepping, not just an accidental error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross the limit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in a sentence to describe an action where someone or something exceeds an established boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cross the limit" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the action of exceeding an established boundary, whether physical, ethical, or legal. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, its usage is considered uncommon. The primary function of this phrase is to express disapproval or criticism, often highlighting a violation of established rules or norms. It maintains a generally neutral register, lending itself to both informal and formal contexts. To avoid misuse, ensure the context warrants the implication of a deliberate or significant overstepping, rather than a simple mistake. Related phrases include "exceed the limit" and "overstep the mark".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the limit

This alternative directly refers to surpassing a set boundary or maximum value, often used in quantitative contexts.

go beyond the limit

Similar to "exceed the limit", but it broadens the context to include intangible boundaries such as expectations or norms.

overstep the mark

This phrase suggests exceeding a boundary of acceptable behavior or social norms.

push the envelope

Implies testing or exceeding current boundaries, often in a creative or innovative context.

transgress the bounds

A more formal term for violating established limits, often used in legal or moral contexts.

overreach oneself

Indicates extending one's capabilities or authority beyond what is reasonable or permissible.

break the rules

Refers to violating specific, established regulations or guidelines.

violate the terms

Used when specific terms or conditions have been breached, usually in a contractual or agreement setting.

out of bounds

This phrase describes something that is not allowed or acceptable within a specific context.

go too far

Implies exceeding the limits of acceptable behavior, often in social interactions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cross the limit"?

To "cross the limit" means to exceed what is acceptable, permissible, or reasonable. It implies going beyond a defined boundary or standard.

How can I use "cross the limit" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe behavior that is inappropriate or excessive. For example, "His behavior at the party "crossed the limit" when he started yelling at the host."

What can I say instead of "cross the limit"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed the limit", "overstep the mark", or "go too far", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "crossing the limit" the same as "pushing the envelope"?

While both phrases involve exceeding boundaries, "crossing the limit" generally implies unacceptable behavior, whereas "pushing the envelope" suggests innovation or testing boundaries in a more positive or neutral light.