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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Many churches cross the line every year, by either hosting candidates or making endorsements from the pulpit, while rarely drawing sanctions from the IRS. —

Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024 But things cross the line when fake facts get involved. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024 Still, watching an artist cross the line from worship songs to what can be considered political propaganda is no less alarming. —

Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 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. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cross the line

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“Cross the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20the%20line. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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