Carry/take something too far
phrase
To exceed reasonable limits or become excessive in one's actions, reactions or behavior.
She was just making a joke, but he took it too far when he started insulting her.
Often appears as...
- take the joke too far
- carry the argument too far
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To stretch a concept, argument, or process further than is acceptable or reasonable.
In your essay, you carried the concept of 'freedom' too far and it became vague and unsupportable.
Often appears as...
- carry the concept too far
- take the idea too far
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
phrase
To exceed reasonable limits or become excessive in one's actions, reactions or behavior.
She was just making a joke, but he took it too far when he started insulting her.
Often appears as...
- take the joke too far
- carry the argument too far
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To stretch a concept, argument, or process further than is acceptable or reasonable.
In your essay, you carried the concept of 'freedom' too far and it became vague and unsupportable.
Often appears as...
- carry the concept too far
- take the idea too far
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Evaluating Sensitivity
Consider if the situation is sensitive or personal; going too far could hurt feelings.
He took his teasing too far and made her cry.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Situations
Be mindful of social cues indicating when a joke or action may become inappropriate.
Laughing was fine, but taking the prank too far ruined the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Understand cultural norms; what's acceptable in one culture could be taking it too far in another.
He didn't realize that his comments would take things too far in her culture.
Pro Tip 1/3Evaluating Sensitivity
Consider if the situation is sensitive or personal; going too far could hurt feelings.
He took his teasing too far and made her cry.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Situations
Be mindful of social cues indicating when a joke or action may become inappropriate.
Laughing was fine, but taking the prank too far ruined the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Understand cultural norms; what's acceptable in one culture could be taking it too far in another.
He didn't realize that his comments would take things too far in her culture.
Pro Tip 1/3Evaluating Sensitivity
Consider if the situation is sensitive or personal; going too far could hurt feelings.
He took his teasing too far and made her cry.
Pro Tip 2/3Social Situations
Be mindful of social cues indicating when a joke or action may become inappropriate.
Laughing was fine, but taking the prank too far ruined the party.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Understand cultural norms; what's acceptable in one culture could be taking it too far in another.
He didn't realize that his comments would take things too far in her culture.
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