How to Pronounce "beyond the pale"
expression
ˌbiˈɔnd/, /bɪˈɑnd/, /bɪˈɔnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpeɪɫ
bee-YOND thuh PAYL
bɪjˈɒnd/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈeɪl
bee-OND thuh PAYL
Definition
Describes behavior or actions that are completely unacceptable or go beyond what is considered proper or reasonable.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˌbiˈɔnd/, /bɪˈɑnd/, /bɪˈɔnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpeɪɫ
British English
bɪjˈɒnd/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈeɪl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
bee-YOND thuh PAYL
UK
bee-OND thuh PAYL
Listen in Context
His rude comments were beyond the pale.
Stealing from your friends is beyond the pale.
What he said to the teacher was beyond the pale.
I thought the joke was funny, but the personal insult was beyond the pale.