cross the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross the line" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is beyond the acceptable or reasonable boundaries set by society or by convention. For example, you might say "His behavior was starting to cross the line, so I decided it was time to step in and intervene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do they cross the line?

The New York Times

"You didn't cross the line.

The Guardian - Film

Did it cross the line?

The Guardian - Sport

"You shouldn't cross the line".

The New York Times

"We didn't cross the line.

The Guardian - Sport

I know sometimes we cross the line.

The Guardian

We cross the line maybe, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

They will not cross the line.

The New York Times

The ball didn't cross the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, we cross the line and if you cross the line, you need to pay.

The Guardian - Sport

Several works cross the line between homage and parody.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross the line" when you want to emphasize that a boundary has been violated and the action is considered unacceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "cross the line" in situations where exceeding a limit is positive, such as exceeding expectations in a performance review. The phrase carries a negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross the line" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the act of exceeding acceptable or ethical boundaries. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts to express disapproval or highlight unacceptable behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cross the line" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe actions or behaviors that exceed acceptable boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, primarily in news and media and sports. The phrase carries a negative connotation, signifying that a limit has been violated. Alternative phrases such as "go too far" or "overstep the mark" can be used depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the negative implications and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Overall, "cross the line" is a versatile and easily understandable idiom for expressing disapproval of exceeded boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go too far

A more general way of saying someone has exceeded what is acceptable.

step out of line

Suggests deviating from expected or acceptable behavior.

overstep boundaries

Highlights the act of violating established boundaries.

overstep the mark

Implies exceeding acceptable limits, often in a social or ethical context.

transgress the limits

A formal way of saying someone has violated limits.

exceed the bounds

Similar to overstepping, but emphasizes the violation of established limits.

overreach oneself

Implies exceeding one's capabilities or authority.

violate the code

Highlights the breaking of moral or ethical guidelines.

push the envelope

Suggests testing limits, often creatively or innovatively, but risks exceeding them.

exceed expectations

Implies surpassing typical hopes or predictions, distinct from negative connotations of "cross the line".

FAQs

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

You can use "cross the line" to describe actions that are beyond acceptable limits. For example, "His comments during the meeting started to "cross the line" when he made personal attacks".

What is another way to say "cross the line"?

Alternatives to "cross the line" include "go too far", "overstep the mark", or "overstep boundaries", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "crossed the line" instead of "cross the line"?

Yes, "crossed the line" is the past tense form of the phrase and is appropriate when describing an action that has already occurred. For example, "He "crossed the line" when he lied to his manager".

What's the difference between "cross the line" and "push the envelope"?

"Cross the line" typically implies a violation of established norms or rules, whereas "push the envelope" suggests testing limits in a creative or innovative way, though it can also carry the risk of exceeding them. "Cross the line" usually has negative connotations.