Out of bounds Meaning in English

expression

US

OWT-uhv-BOUNDZ

UK

OWT-ov-BOUNDZ

Definition

Used in sports to say something is outside the allowed area. Also used more generally to mean forbidden or not allowed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in sports (like basketball, soccer, tennis) for balls or players outside the legal area. Figuratively, can refer to topics, behavior, or places that are forbidden. In formal writing, often means not permitted. Do not use for simply being outside a building—it's about boundaries.

• Spanish: fuera de límites - fuera de juego (deporte)
• Portuguese (BR): fora dos limites - fora de campo (esporte)
• Portuguese (PT): fora dos limites - fora de campo (desporto)
• Chinese (Simplified): 出界 - 禁区（比喻不可进入的地方）
• Chinese (Traditional): 出界 - 禁區（比喻不可進入的地方）
• Hindi: सीमा के बाहर - वर्जित क्षेत्र
• Arabic: خارج الحدود - منطقة محظورة
• Bengali: সীমানার বাইরে - নিষিদ্ধ
• Russian: за пределами поля - запрещённый
• Japanese: アウト・オブ・バウンズ - 立入禁止
• Vietnamese: ngoài ranh giới - cấm vào
• Korean: 경계 밖 - 출입 금지
• Turkish: saha dışı - yasak bölge
• Urdu: حد سے باہر - ممنوع
• Indonesian: di luar batas - terlarang

Example Sentences

The ball went out of bounds during the game.

basic

Players cannot step out of bounds or they lose possession.

basic

The playground is out of bounds after dark.

basic

Sorry, that area’s out of bounds for visitors.

natural

Talking about salary is usually out of bounds in this company.

natural

Is this room out of bounds, or can I go in?

natural