out of line
out of line
1. Not in agreement or accordance with generally accepted or established limits. That price seems way out of line with other repairmen I've dealt with.
2. Contrary to or in violation of acceptable rules, conventions, or standards; improper or inappropriate. I thought Tom's comments were totally out of line for a dinner discussion, but I didn't feel it was my place to chide him. She was definitely out of line, but she apologized to me the next day.
See also: line, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
out of line
(with something)1. Lit. not properly lined up in a line of things. I told you not to get out of line. Now, get back in line. One of those books on the shelf is out of line with the others. Please fix it.
2. Fig. beyond certain set or assumed limits. Your bid on this project is completely out of line with our expectations. The cost of this meal is out of line with what other restaurants charge. Your asking price is quite out ofline!
3. Fig. [of something said or behavior] improper. I'm afraid that your behavior was quite out of line. I do not wish to speak further about this matter. Bill, that remark was out of line. Please be more respectful. Your request is out of line.
See also: line, of, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
out of line
1. Uncalled for, improper; inappropriate. For example, His remarks were totally out of line. It is often put as get out of line or step out of line, meaning "behave improperly," as in She really stepped out of line when she called him incompetent in front of his boss. [Late 1700s]
2. Not in agreement with general practice, as in Their prices are way out of line with other hotels. Both def. 1 and 2 are metaphoric expressions that transfer being out of alignment to various kinds of behavior.
3. out of one's line; not in one's line. Not in one's occupation or field of interest. For example, He offered a generous salary, but the work was out of her line, or I'd love to help, but telephone solicitation is not in my line. This usage alludes to line in the sense of "a business or occupation." [Mid-1800s]
See also: line, of, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
out of line
COMMON If one thing is out of line with another, the first thing is different from the second in a way that was not agreed, planned, or expected. This set of figures was sharply out of line with the trend.
See also: line, of, out
out of line
orway out of line
SPOKENIf someone is out of line or way out of line, they have done or said something that they should not have done or said. Addressing a fellow officer like that is out of line, and I won't stand for it, hear me? It was clear to all concerned that Peter was way out of line. Note: The line referred to here is a line of soldiers, who are expected to act as a unit. Compare with step out of line.
See also: line, of, out
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
out of line
behaving in a way that breaks the rules or is considered disreputable or inappropriate.See also: line, of, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
out of line
mod. not in accord with what is appropriate or expected, especially in price or behavior. Your behavior is quite out of line. I shall report you.
See also: line, of, out
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
out of line
1. Uncalled-for; improper.
2. Unruly and out of control.
See also: line, of, out
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- accordance
- in accordance with
- in accordance with (something)
- as per
- as per (something)
- track with (something)
- tracking
- tracks
- track
- in line with (someone or something)