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
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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.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Products that closely resemble an iconic designer item without blatantly ripping off their trademark, often called dupes, exist in a legal gray area and can cross the line from being simply an homage to a popular style to infringing on a copyright.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2025
To be sure, there’s no need to cross the line and be complicit in any antisocial, unethical, or destructive behaviors.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for cross the line 
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Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Products that closely resemble an iconic designer item without blatantly ripping off their trademark, often called dupes, exist in a legal gray area and can cross the line from being simply an homage to a popular style to infringing on a copyright.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2025
To be sure, there’s no need to cross the line and be complicit in any antisocial, unethical, or destructive behaviors.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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