off-limits

adjective

off-lim·​its ˈȯf-ˈli-məts 

: not to be entered or patronized by a designated class (such as military personnel)

also : not to be interfered with, considered, or spoken of

the subject of sex was off-limits in her family

Examples of off-limits in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Christina Aguilera's closet at home isn't off-limits. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

The high tariffs Biden imposed on electric vehicles and batteries this year, coupled with the potential forthcoming ban on imports of connected and autonomous vehicles, will effectively make the U.S. market off-limits to all Chinese automakers. —Scott Kennedy, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024

Ivory, cream, and white are still off-limits, though, unless the bride specifically requests it. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

Perhaps the Athletics would deal Mason Miller — teams hardly ever make relievers off-limits. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

off-limits

adjective

ˈȯ-ˈflim-əts

1

: not to be entered or used by a certain group of people

2

: not to be discussed or considered

questions about my salary are off-limits