What does “Out of Line” mean?
"Out of Line" means behaving inappropriately or crossing boundaries.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His comments during the meeting were completely out of line.
Example
The teacher reprimanded the student for his out of line behavior.
Example
She felt that his actions were out of line and disrespectful
Is “Out of Line” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of Line” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Out of Line” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of Line" to describe someone's behavior as inappropriate or crossing boundaries. It implies that the person has acted in a way that is not acceptable or within the expected norms. For example, if a colleague makes offensive comments during a meeting, you might say, 'His comments were completely out of line.'
- 1Work
His comments during the meeting were completely out of line.
- 2School
The teacher reprimanded the student for his out of line behavior.
- 3Relationships
She felt that his actions were out of line and disrespectful.
Similar phrases to “Out of Line”:
Overstep one's boundaries
To go beyond the limits of what is considered acceptable or appropriate
Example
He overstepped his boundaries by interfering in their personal matters.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of Line” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of Line" is unknown.
Is “Out of Line” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of Line" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their disapproval of someone's behavior or actions.
What tone does “Out of Line” have?
"Out of Line" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It is used to highlight behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable.
Can “Out of Line” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of Line" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as work, school, or personal relationships. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His comments were completely out of line.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's "out of line"!' to express disapproval.
