out-of-bounds

out of bounds

1. In sports, outside of an established boundary within which normal play is allowed. The referee determined that the wide receiver was out of bounds when he caught the ball.
2. Outside of permissible exploration or traversal. As kids, we were always told that the quarry at the edge of town was out of bounds.
3. Not open to discussion, commentary, or criticism. The interviewer wanted to ask about the author's family, but was told beforehand that it was out of bounds.
4. Contrary to or in violation of acceptable rules, conventions, or standards. I thought Tom's comments were totally out of bounds for a dinner discussion, but I didn't feel it was my place to chide him. What she did was definitely out of bounds, but she apologized to me the next day.
See also: bound, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*out-of-bounds

 
1. Lit. outside the boundaries of the playing area. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; go ~.) The ball went out-of-bounds just at the end of the game. The whistle blew when Juan went out-of-bounds.
2. and *off-limits Fig. forbidden. (*Typically: be ~.) This area is off-limits. You can't go in there. Don't go there. It's out-of-bounds. That kind of behavior is off-limits. Stop it!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • out of bounds
  • know no bounds
  • live within
  • within bounds
  • be out of bounds
  • within the bounds of possibility
  • ref
  • kick (something) into touch
  • kick something into touch
  • keep (someone or something) within bounds
References in periodicals archive
If playing man, do you switch all off-the-ball screens when playing man-to-man on out-of-bounds plays?
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On the fourth hole, a par-five, he hooks his second shot toward the out-of-bounds markers.
In the swing: tips and tidbits for Sarasota golfers
Out-of-bounds posts running tightly along the left-hand side add to your worries, especially in a stiff wind.
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The tags transmit a signal at regular intervals to receivers mounted outside the field, which in turn transmit the captured data to a computer that determines the exact position of the ball and each player, information about goals, out-of-bounds, and offsides is passed to the referees, who wear a receiver and a display on their wrist.
Soccer gets high-tech help
The unit compares the measured value at the CP test point against preset alarm levels and can deliver alarms upon detection of out-of-bounds conditions.
OmniMetrix
It monitors all TCP/IP traffic--Internet, intranet, email, attachments, chat, IM, P2P and more--for out-of-bounds activity plus it has adaptive URL blocking.
Strengthening the first line of defense: here's how administrators can combat threats to their networks
This was followed by an out-of-bounds that went to Sharp, giving them possession and a chance to tie at 31-30.
Changing of the guard? (Sports & Recreation)
In the iconographic truisms of black representation, Ligon questions the "truth." And, according to catalogue essayist Wayne Koestenbaum, "The good may be approached only through the sacrilegious vocabulary of the out-of-bounds."
Coloring: New Work by Glenn Ligon
Out-of-bounds is down the entire right side of the hole, and anything over the green will run down a steep slope that makes for a very difficult recovery shot.
For the Love of the Game
This situation is encouraged no doubt by a loosening of government restrictions, increasing access to formerly out-of-bounds areas of Burma.
Whispers at the Pagoda: Portraits of Modern Burma
You must cut off the dogleg, but to hit over the out-of-bounds you must have great discipline and presence.
This is where the Open will be won and lost
What the critics try to say is that sexuality should be out-of-bounds as serious academic inquiry.
Theoretical battles
Does the field provide enough out-of-bounds room for safe stopping?
Playing it safe: risk management for games play
Sign up for a mountain experience instructor to guide you out-of-bounds, including an early morning run from the tram before the mountain opens.
Mountainous fun for all: great ski resorts for singles, families and daredevils to get that winter workout
Have we ruled anti-Semitism out-of-bounds in our lives?
Love thy gay neighbor