Cross a/the line
verb
To behave unacceptably or to break the rules.
When he started criticizing my family, he certainly crossed the line.
Often appears as...
- cross the line of decency
- cross the ethical line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To go past a point where a situation cannot be reversed.
The company crossed the line when they decided to fire half of their staff without any warning.
Often appears as...
- cross the line of no return
- cross the line of tolerance
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To finish a race or reach the end of a journey.
After hours of running, he finally crossed the line and won the marathon.
Often appears as...
- cross the finish line
- cross the starting line
verb
To behave unacceptably or to break the rules.
When he started criticizing my family, he certainly crossed the line.
Often appears as...
- cross the line of decency
- cross the ethical line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To go past a point where a situation cannot be reversed.
The company crossed the line when they decided to fire half of their staff without any warning.
Often appears as...
- cross the line of no return
- cross the line of tolerance
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To finish a race or reach the end of a journey.
After hours of running, he finally crossed the line and won the marathon.
Often appears as...
- cross the finish line
- cross the starting line
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used in situations that might offend or upset others due to differing values or beliefs.
His joke about religions crossed the line for many people in the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
Conveys disapproval when someone does something considered wrong or inappropriate.
You cross the line when you make fun of someone's appearance.
Pro Tip 3/3Relationship Boundaries
Highlights behaviors that are unacceptable in personal or professional relationships.
He crossed the line by reading her personal diary without permission.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used in situations that might offend or upset others due to differing values or beliefs.
His joke about religions crossed the line for many people in the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
Conveys disapproval when someone does something considered wrong or inappropriate.
You cross the line when you make fun of someone's appearance.
Pro Tip 3/3Relationship Boundaries
Highlights behaviors that are unacceptable in personal or professional relationships.
He crossed the line by reading her personal diary without permission.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Used in situations that might offend or upset others due to differing values or beliefs.
His joke about religions crossed the line for many people in the room.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
Conveys disapproval when someone does something considered wrong or inappropriate.
You cross the line when you make fun of someone's appearance.
Pro Tip 3/3Relationship Boundaries
Highlights behaviors that are unacceptable in personal or professional relationships.
He crossed the line by reading her personal diary without permission.
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