overstepping the boundaries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overstepping the boundaries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone exceeds acceptable limits or rules, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or social contexts. Example: "His comments during the meeting were seen as overstepping the boundaries of professional conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This office has problems with overstepping the boundaries".

The New York Times

But as the chairman of the Fed, he has to be careful: he must avoid any hint that he is overstepping the boundaries of his position.

The New York Times

Immediately after the burnt offering had been completed, Samuel appeared (perhaps waiting for such an opportunity to reassert his leading position) and castigated Saul for overstepping the boundaries of his princely prerogatives even though Saul had been more than patient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The FBI's statement in the Oakland case illustrates the lengths to which the agent goes to convince the judge that this type of surveillance is not overstepping the boundaries of privacy.

The Guardian

In rejecting the former argument, the court accepted the basic premise of the act's opponents – namely, that rather than regulating the conduct of individuals already in market (in this case, for healthcare), the act instead sought to push people into the market for insurance, thereby overstepping the boundaries of its constitutional limits of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

(2 4) At 15 I set my heart on learning; at 30 I firmly took my stand; at 40 I had no delusions; at 50 I knew the mandate of heaven; at 60 my ear was attuned; at 70 I followed my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He has been severely criticised for overstepping the boundary between therapist and patient, a credo in the field, but by 1962 the popularity of psychoanalysis was decreasing with the appearance of new behaviourist therapies and drugs.

The Guardian - Film

We're in danger of overstepping the boundary.

BBC

But other shenanigans, he said, could overstep the boundaries of baseball's accepted manners.

The New York Times - Sports

Peace_love_books: This book oversteps the boundaries of "really good" and crosses into the section marked "favourites".

The Guardian

"We rely on the discretion of the D.A. not to overstep the boundaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overstepping the boundaries", ensure the context clearly defines the specific limits or norms being violated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "overstepping the boundaries" when the situation involves a simple mistake or misunderstanding, rather than a deliberate violation of established limits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overstepping the boundaries" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe an action that violates or exceeds established limits. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overstepping the boundaries" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe actions that exceed acceptable limits or violate established norms. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and wide applicability across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While versatile, it is important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure clarity and appropriateness. Alternatives such as "crossing the line" or "exceeding the limits" can provide nuance or greater precision in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossing the line

Implies a violation of an understood limit or rule, often in a moral or ethical context; more concise.

exceeding the limits

Focuses on going beyond established restrictions or limitations, often in a measurable way.

going too far

Indicates behavior that is excessive or inappropriate, often with negative consequences; more general.

violating the norms

Highlights a breach of established social or cultural standards of behavior.

trespassing on

Suggests intrusion into someone else's domain or rights, often in a metaphorical sense.

encroaching upon

Indicates a gradual intrusion or infringement, often on someone's rights or territory.

infringing upon

Emphasizes the violation of someone's rights or privileges.

overreaching

Suggests exceeding one's authority or capabilities, often with negative consequences.

pushing the envelope

Implies testing or exceeding the limits of what is acceptable or possible, often in a creative or innovative way.

transgressing

Focuses on violating a law, command, or moral principle; more formal.

FAQs

What does "overstepping the boundaries" mean?

The phrase "overstepping the boundaries" means exceeding what is considered acceptable or permissible, whether in a social, professional, or ethical context. It implies that someone has gone beyond established limits or norms.

How can I use "overstepping the boundaries" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where someone's actions or words have exceeded acceptable limits. For example: "His comments during the meeting were seen as "crossing the line" and "overstepping the boundaries of professional conduct".

What are some alternatives to "overstepping the boundaries"?

You can use alternatives like "crossing the line", "exceeding the limits", or "going too far" depending on the context.

Is "overstepping the boundaries" formal or informal?

The phrase "overstepping the boundaries" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is generally more common in professional or news-related discussions. In casual conversation, phrases like "going too far" might be more suitable.