crossing the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"crossing the line" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to going beyond an accepted boundary or norm. For example, "I knew I had been crossing the line with my behavior, so I decided to take a step back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Lipstick Vibrator, Crossing The Line, And Big Deal.

Vice

Photo by Evil Erin, via Flickr DRUGS – CROSSING THE LINE.

Vice

Everybody starts crossing the line".

The New Yorker

Am I crossing the line?

The New York Times

FINANCIAL TIMES Is AOL Crossing the Line?

The New York Times

Freedom means not crossing the line".

The New York Times

It is crossing the line.

The Guardian - Sport

That would be crossing the line.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Crossing The Lines With Panache.

Forbes

"We crossed the line".

The New York Times

He crossed the line.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crossing the line" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines which line is being crossed and why it is significant.

Common error

Do not use "crossing the line" without clearly establishing what the implicit or explicit boundary is. Vague usage can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossing the line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the action of exceeding an established limit or boundary, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, where it describes ethical transgressions or exceeding acceptable behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crossing the line" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes exceeding acceptable boundaries or norms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic discussions, and sports reporting, it conveys disapproval of actions that breach ethical or behavioral standards. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly define the boundary to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function and common pitfalls, writers can effectively use "crossing the line" to add depth and precision to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overstepping boundaries

Focuses on exceeding established limits or accepted norms.

violating a principle

Highlights the breach of a moral or ethical code.

infringing upon rights

Emphasizes the violation of someone's legal or moral entitlements.

exceeding the limit

Stresses going beyond an established or acceptable maximum.

going too far

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

stepping out of bounds

Implies straying from a defined area or set of rules.

breaching protocol

Refers specifically to violating established procedures or customs.

transgressing standards

Highlights the violation of accepted levels of behavior or quality.

overdoing it

Suggests exceeding a reasonable level of effort or action.

losing control

Indicates a failure to maintain appropriate regulation of one's actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "crossing the line" to describe behavior that exceeds acceptable boundaries, like, "His comments were funny at first, but then he started "crossing the line" with personal insults."

What is the difference between "crossing the line" and "overstepping boundaries"?

"Crossing the line" often implies a transgression of ethics or appropriateness, while "overstepping boundaries" can refer more broadly to exceeding any kind of limit or established rule.

What are some alternative phrases for "crossing the line" in a professional context?

In a professional environment, you can use phrases like "breaching protocol", "exceeding the limit", or "overstepping boundaries" to convey a similar meaning with a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "crossing the line"?

It is appropriate to use "crossing the line" when describing a situation where someone's actions or words have gone beyond what is considered acceptable, ethical, or appropriate within a given context. Ensure the specific boundary being crossed is clear.