cross the line

cross the line

1. Of an action, to cross some threshold into unacceptable or inappropriate behavior. Speaking that rudely to your teacher definitely crosses the line.
2. To misbehave or do something unacceptable or inappropriate. When you spoke that rudely to your teacher, you definitely crossed the line.
See also: cross, line
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cross the line

COMMON
1. If someone crosses the line, they start behaving in an unacceptable or offensive way. The show's pretty outrageous, but I don't think it crosses the line. There was no reason to bring our families into it. That's crossing the line.
2. If someone or something crosses the line, they go from one situation or activity to another more extreme one. They could easily cross the line from civil disobedience to violence. Congress and the public were not informed about the decision to cross the line from defense to preparation for war. Note: The `line' in this expression may refer to boxing matches in the past, when a line was drawn on the ground which neither boxer could cross. `Draw the line' may be based on a similar idea.
See also: cross, line
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • cross a line
  • not done
  • argue back
  • disapprove
  • disapprove of
  • disapprove of (someone or something)
  • out of keeping
  • out of keeping with (something)
  • excuse my French
  • excuse/pardon my French
References in periodicals archive
They should instead cross the line of control and give the enemy pain," the Waar star concluded
Shaan urges artistes fighting depression to fight for country instead
It is important for recruiters to remember that as much as they hold the power to decide who to hire, they should treat all candidates with dignity and respect.Employer brand and reputation is always at risk every time they cross the line by asking irrelevant questions.
ASK HR: Is it right for interviewers to pry for personal details?
'It also goes without saying that due process must be followed to ensure that police officers who cross the line during violent dispersal will be made liable and accountable for their actions,' it further said.
Poe seeks Senate probe of 'ruthless plowing' of protesters
De Sousa said: "The floodlit mile is fine, it's just that when you cross the line you go straight into the dark, which isn't safe for horses or jockeys.
De Sousa fears over safety at Newcastle; Champion jockey hits out at lack of lighting
Heath and Schofield followed up some solid displays with a powerful performance in Thursday's K2 200 metres final, starting impressively and maintaining their pace to cross the line in 32.368 seconds.
Kayakers secure silver to improve 2012 medal
Heath and Schofield started impressively and maintained their pace to cross the line in 32.368 seconds.
Schofield and Heath take silver in kayak; KAYAK
When do dance critics cross the line? After a story in our April issue asked top artists about their experiences being criticized in the press, we asked our readers the same questions.
What's on your mind?
But I've also wondered if I didn't cross the line the first time I was in the "hard site" at Abu Ghraib, or the first time I used a stress position, or the first time I told an Iraqi prisoner that he'd never see his family again.
Confessions of an American torturer in Iraq
The first to cross the line was Liverpool Harriers' Ben Russell after just 25 minutes and 20 seconds.
Runners hit road for village's 5k
Once they cross the line it is about them and the confidence and the qualities they have," said the Reds boss.
Rodgers has faith in his Reds; LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA Anfield 7.45pm
"But it's the Olympic Games and we have both got to race as hard as we can to see who is the best athlete and who is going to get to cross the line first."
Brownlee brothers won't cross line together
Ross wasn't the only comedian to cross the line, though.
Jeffrey Ross' Aurora Shooting Joke Cut From Roseanne Roast And 4 Other Comedians Who Crossed The Line [PHOTOS]
So where were the chaps from Fraunhofer, who are developing this system, when Frank Lampard (right) was watching his shot hit the bar and apparently not cross the line in South Africa in 2010?!
Where were you when Lampard scored?
He could not possibly have seen the ball cross the line," said Turner.
Turner livid at decision; SHREWSBURY 1 WYCOMBE 1
To celebrate the release of the new wrestling game TNA iMPACT!: Cross The Line out for PlayStation Portable on February 19, we are giving one lucky reader an amazing wrestling bumper package.
WRESTLE WITH BUMPER PRIZE