off-limits
/ˌɒf ˈlɪmɪts/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɔːf ˈlɪmɪts/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈȯf-ˈli-məts/ (ame, mw)
off-limits — adjective
1. describing a place that people are forbidden from going into, often because rule
describing a place that people are forbidden from going into, often because rules or laws say only certain people may be there.
The roof of the school building was off-limits to students after the storm damaged it.
be off-limits to [group] — common pattern with a named excluded group
Yuki noticed several rooms in the museum were off-limits during the restoration work.
The kitchen of the small bakery is off-limits to anyone who is not staff.
Areas near the old factory have been off-limits since the fire last summer.
Ramón warned the children that the neighbour's garden was strictly off-limits.
- out of bounds
very close meaning; slightly more British and often used for sports areas or school grounds
- restricted
more formal; often used on official signs and notices
- forbidden
stronger and more general; can describe actions as well as places
- open
as in 'open to the public' — freely accessible
- accessible
able to be entered or reached without special permission
文法句型
be off-limits (to someone)
用法筆記
Usually appears after a linking verb (be, remain, stay) rather than before a noun. Frequently followed by 'to + [group]' to name who is excluded.