transgress the bounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transgress the bounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that exceed established limits or rules. Example: "His decision to reveal confidential information would transgress the bounds of professional ethics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Walsingham replied with a discourse on the topic that "young princes were many times carried into great errors upon an opinion of the absoluteness of their royal authority and do not consider, that when they transgress the bounds and limits of the law, they leave to be kings and become tyrants".

Wikipedia

Narasimhan Krishnamachari, a scholar on Vishishtadvaita philosophy, states that the name "Sharabha" has been interpreted in two ways namely; the first interpretation means "the Destroyer (of those who transgress the bounds of ethics)," as given by the Sri Vaishnavite commentator, Parasara Bhattar and the second interpretation as given by Adi Sankara, among others.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Critics of the trial insinuated that the Israelis were somehow transgressing the bounds of fairness and justice by pressing these larger points.

The New York Times

His assault on American puritanism what Gilbert Seldes called "the habits-ofrabbits school of songwriting"—rarely transgressed the bounds of propriety, deploying etiquette even as it mocked it.

The New Yorker

What she needed was a way to do this without transgressing the bounds of decorum, of propriety, of good taste, of sound judgment, fairness, and equanimity.

The New Yorker

His assault on American puritanism — what Gilbert Seldes called "the habits-ofrabbits school of songwriting" — rarely transgressed the bounds of propriety, deploying etiquette even as it mocked it.

The New Yorker

(Indeed, the trial was largely responsible for making "Holocaust" the universal term for the genocide). Critics of the trial insinuated that the Israelis were somehow transgressing the bounds of fairness and justice by pressing these larger points.

The New York Times - Books

He observed that, given a judge's supervisory power over the integrity of judicial proceedings, a deferred prosecution agreement that "so transgresses the bounds of lawfulness or propriety" should not be approved.

The New York Times

In 2011, Wyden and Udall began warning their colleagues and reporters that the breadth of US surveillance efforts authorized under the Patriot Act and a 2008 expansion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Fisa) had transgressed the bounds established by the plain text of the laws authorizing them.

The Guardian

When the players heard that one tabloid newspaper had published a poll in which their readers were invited to decide whether they would prefer to have David James or a donkey in goal for England, they decided that it transgressed the bounds of acceptable criticism.

The Guardian

Not even those who typeset a new edition of Martial are spared the rod: "The printers have indulged immoderately in their favourite sport of dropping letters on the floor and then leaving them to lie there or else putting them back in wrong places; and at the top of p. 113 of the text their merriment transgresses the bounds of decorum".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "transgress the bounds", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific limits or rules being violated. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "transgress the bounds" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cross the line" or "break the rules" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "transgress the bounds" functions as a verb phrase, where "transgress" acts as the verb and "the bounds" functions as the direct object. It describes the action of exceeding or violating established limits, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "transgress the bounds" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of violating or exceeding established limits or rules. Ludwig AI indicates that it's considered grammatically correct and appears across various sources, including News & Media, Science and Wiki. Although relatively rare, it carries a formal tone, making it suitable for professional or serious contexts. Related phrases include "exceed the limits" and "overstep the boundaries". When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the violated limits is essential to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overstep the boundaries

Emphasizes the action of going beyond what is considered acceptable or permissible.

exceed the limits

Focuses on surpassing a specific boundary or restriction, often implying a measurable quantity.

exceed the permissible

Focuses on surpassing what is officially allowed or tolerated.

violate the constraints

Highlights a breach or disregard of existing limitations or restrictions.

infringe upon the limits

Implies a gradual encroachment or intrusion beyond established boundaries.

cross the line

Suggests a movement into territory that is forbidden or unacceptable, typically in a moral or ethical sense.

break the rules

Refers to a direct violation of specific regulations or guidelines.

defy the restrictions

Conveys a sense of actively resisting or challenging imposed limits.

transcend limitations

Implies overcoming inherent restrictions or shortcomings, often in a positive or aspirational context.

go beyond the pale

Indicates behavior that is considered extremely inappropriate or unacceptable by societal standards.

FAQs

How can I use "transgress the bounds" in a sentence?

The phrase "transgress the bounds" is typically used to describe actions that violate established limits, rules, or ethical standards. For instance, "His decision to reveal confidential information would "transgress the bounds" of professional ethics".

What can I say instead of "transgress the bounds"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed the limits", "overstep the boundaries", or "violate the constraints" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "transgress the bounds" or "cross the line"?

"Transgress the bounds" is more formal and suitable for serious or official contexts, while "cross the line" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.

What does it mean to "transgress the bounds" of decorum?

To ""transgress the bounds" of decorum" means to violate the established rules of polite behavior or social etiquette, often causing offense or embarrassment.