cross the line
idiom
: to go beyond what is proper or acceptable
Her criticism crossed the line from helpful to just plain hurtful.
The magazine crossed the line when they printed the nude photos.
Examples of cross the line in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one's team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
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Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
That could cross the line from a nonwillful FBAR violation to a willful one, which can be the difference between a fine of $10,000 and something over $3 million, and just that differential.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Hall, buried in fourth place as the runners rounded the last bend, outran the runner on his outside, then two more to the inside to cross the line in 43.40 seconds, the fourth-fastest time ever.
—CBS News, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cross the line 
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Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
That could cross the line from a nonwillful FBAR violation to a willful one, which can be the difference between a fine of $10,000 and something over $3 million, and just that differential.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Hall, buried in fourth place as the runners rounded the last bend, outran the runner on his outside, then two more to the inside to cross the line in 43.40 seconds, the fourth-fastest time ever.
—CBS News, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cross the line
Dictionary Entries Near cross the line
Cite this Entry
“Cross the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20the%20line. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
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