push too far

push too far

1. To treat one so poorly or antagonistically that it causes one to react in a violent, desperate, or unpredictably negative manner. The government has pushed its citizens too far with the latest legislation. At this point, they could have a full-blown revolution on their hands. Don't push your employees too far, or their productivity will start to suffer.
2. To do something or act in a manner past a point at which one should have stopped or that exceeds what is appropriate. The company pushed their quest for dominance in multiple markets too far, leading them to suffer huge losses as a result of having their resources stretched too thin. I was just trying to have some playful banter with him, but I guess I pushed things too far, because he is really upset with me now.
See also: far, push
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

push someone too far

Fig. to antagonize someone too much; to be too confrontational with someone. I guess I pushed him too far, because he began shouting at me and threatening to hit me.
See also: far, push
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head
  • give someone their head
  • cooking for one
  • 1FTR
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
References in periodicals archive
But the authors argue that "one would be wise not to push too far the conceit that we are smarter than our predecessors.
Storm ahead: financial crisis fact sheet
Dargo said: "We have players who can punish opponents if they push too far on to us and leave gaps.
Dargo: I see no crisis at Celts
So what happens when you push too far and hurt yourself?
Wellness exercise know your body's limits
"They will be careful not to push too far as they don't want a repeat of what happened, but they will be raising the heat in there a little bit more to see how people react."
Big Brother: You 'orrible lot! EXCLUSIVE HOUSEMATES TO GET TASTE OF ARMY LIFE
Sometimes the professional associations and owner/operators push too far in one direction and well-intended consumer groups push too far in the other.
The Assisted Living Workgroup: one year later
On the other hand, readers are likely to find instances where Sobel seems to push too far, as, for example, in her unequivocal attribution to Banneker (and analysis in racial terms) of an anonymous dream report of unknown origin, concerning heaven and hell.
Teach Me Dreams: the Search for Self in the Revolutionary Era
This period is crucial and I have to be careful not to push too far.
Football: Rodrigo targets Red Devils comeback
But if you push too far, you'll have no structure, and you'll feel insecure and alienated.
Take me to Nike Town
Dargo said: "We can punish opponents if they push too far on to us and leave gaps.
DARGO: EVERY BOSS WOULD LOVE TO HAVE PARKHEAD FIREPOWER; OLD FIRM BATTLE FOR THE TITLE ..
This period is crucial and I have tobecarefulnot to push too far. My body is still not used to full training becauseI haven't trained for six months, so I've been really feeling it the next day.
Rodrigo revs up for United return