overstep the mark
overstep the mark — idiom
1. to go beyond what is acceptable or allowed in what you say or do
to go beyond what is acceptable or allowed in what you say or do
Mei overstepped the mark by reading her colleague's private notes.
overstep the mark + by + -ing form
Amir overstepped the mark when he shouted at the waiter.
The newspaper overstepped the mark by publishing photos of the family.
Kwame knew he had overstepped the mark after borrowing his flatmate's car.
Did the council overstep the mark by banning street performers?
- cross the line
slightly more informal; common in both British and American English
- go too far
more informal and conversational; can refer to any kind of excess, not just social behaviour
- overstep one's bounds
mainly American English; often used in professional or hierarchical contexts
- toe the line
to obey the rules strictly and avoid causing trouble
- know one's place
to accept one's position and not challenge authority; can sound old-fashioned or negative
用法筆記
Common in British English; less frequent in American English, where 'cross the line' or 'overstep one's bounds' are more typical. Often used when someone's actions cause offence or breach a social or professional boundary.