Overstep the mark Meaning in English
expression
ˈoʊvɝˌstɛp/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmɑɹk
OH-ver-STEP thuh MARK
ˌəʊvəstˈɛp/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈɑːk
oh-vuh-STEP thuh MAHK
Definition
To behave in a way that goes beyond what is accepted, polite, or appropriate, often upsetting or offending others.
Usage & Nuances
Semi-formal and often used in discussions of behavior, rules, or speech. Commonly paired with 'sorry' or used to describe someone going too far in criticism or joke. Do not use for physical boundaries; it's about actions or words becoming inappropriate.
Spanish: pasarse de la raya - excedersePortuguese (BR): passar dos limites - exagerarPortuguese (PT): ultrapassar os limites - exagerarChinese (Simplified): 越界 - 逾越分寸Chinese (Traditional): 越界 - 逾越分寸Hindi: हद पार करनाArabic: تجاوز الحدBengali: সীমা অতিক্রম করা - মাত্রা ছাড়িয়ে যাওয়াRussian: перейти черту - перегнуть палкуJapanese: 一線を越える - やりすぎるVietnamese: vượt quá giới hạn - đi quá giới hạnKorean: 선을 넘다Turkish: çizgiyi aşmak - haddini aşmakUrdu: حد سے بڑھ جاناIndonesian: melewati batas - melampaui batas
Example Sentences
He overstepped the mark by yelling at his teacher.
basic
If you overstep the mark, people may stop trusting you.
basic
Please tell me if I overstep the mark.
basic
I know my joke was harsh—I didn't mean to overstep the mark.
natural
Sometimes reporters overstep the mark to get a story first.
natural
You really overstepped the mark at the meeting—everyone noticed.
natural