overstep the bounds/limits

phrase

: to go beyond what is proper or allowed (by something)
overstep the bounds/limits of good taste

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overstep the bounds/limits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstep%20the%20bounds%2Flimits. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster