pushing over the line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing over the line" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is pushing their luck or taking a risk that could have severe consequences. For example, "John was pushing things too far by pushing over the line and taking unnecessary risks".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We get back to Glasgow first thing on Tuesday morning and these will be the kinds of things I'll be pushing over the line one way or another".

BBC

Hunter-Paul's view: "Shaun has been brilliant and has scored tries for fun, what I like to call 'two-dollar' tries, meaning he is a master at pushing over the line from acting half.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Peter Crisp, dean of BPP Law School, says 12-14-hour days are not uncommon, with all-nighters required when a big transaction is being pushed over the line.

Independent

A maul eventually spluttered forward and Brits, who on Tuesday faces a misconduct charge after allegedly raising a finger to Leicester supporters at Welford Road, was pushed over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Manchester United were linked with him last summer but his more immediate use may be as a must-have accessory for a Championship promotion contender looking to push over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

He later apologised for his remarks, explaining that he was pushed "over the line" by newly released court documents that included allegations against him involving cocaine, escorts and prostitution.

The Guardian

After Duane Vermeulen won the line-out, Alberts pushed over the line as the Scottish defence disintegrated.

BBC

Just like I was very much pushed over the line by the players, I want to get the opinion of the players.

BBC

Sale had a five-metre line-out and their forwards showed patience and strength as their driving maul pushed over the line and Jonathan Mills touched down, allowing Cipriani to convert for an 11-point lead.

BBC

New Zealander Anstey produced the strongest final lap to pip his fellow Antipodean, with William Dunlop inheriting third after Johnson was forced to push over the line when his bike ran out of petrol.

BBC

Disintegrate an atom, and you may just be pushing over the first domino in the line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "pushing over the line" when you want to emphasize that someone is taking a significant risk or is close to facing negative consequences due to their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "pushing over the line" interchangeably with phrases like "crossing the line" if you intend to convey a sense of imminent or potential failure rather than a definite transgression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing over the line" functions as a verb phrase, often used in a continuous tense, describing an action that is either in progress or has immediate consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing over the line" is a phrase that signifies taking actions that are risky and potentially lead to negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is relatively rare. Its usage spans across news, sports, and business contexts, indicating a neutral register. Understanding its nuance is crucial to avoid misinterpretations with similar idioms like "crossing the line". By considering these factors, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey the intended meaning of impending failure or significant risk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossing the line

Focuses on the action of surpassing a limit, often implying a violation of rules or standards.

going too far

Indicates that someone has exceeded what is reasonable or acceptable in their actions or words.

overstepping the mark

Similar to crossing the line, but with a stronger emphasis on social boundaries and etiquette.

pushing the boundaries

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

testing the limits

Similar to pushing the boundaries, but with less emphasis on innovation and more on simply seeing how far one can go.

exceeding the limit

A more formal and direct way of saying that someone has gone beyond the allowed or expected boundary.

stretching the truth

Implies exaggerating or bending the truth, but not necessarily outright lying.

taking liberties

Suggests taking advantage of a situation or relationship in a way that is not entirely appropriate.

abusing the privilege

Implies misusing a special right or opportunity that has been granted.

exploiting the situation

Suggests taking unfair advantage of a situation for personal gain.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "pushing over the line"?

It means they are taking actions that are risky and could lead to negative consequences, almost to the point of failing or crossing a boundary.

How can I use "pushing over the line" in a sentence?

Example: "He was "going too far", essentially "pushing over the line", with his aggressive business tactics and risked alienating his partners."

What's the difference between "pushing over the line" and "crossing the line"?

"Pushing over the line" suggests an impending or potential failure, while "crossing the line" typically implies a definite transgression or violation has already occurred.

Are there situations where "pushing over the line" could be seen as a positive thing?

Rarely, but sometimes in innovation or sports, "pushing over the line" can refer to testing limits to achieve breakthroughs. More often, it carries a negative connotation of risk or failure.