1
general::
Phrase(s): *out-of-bounds
1. Lit. outside the boundaries of the playing area. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; go ~.) • The ball went out-of-bounds just at the end of the game. • The whistle blew when Juan went out-of-bounds. 2. and *offlimits Fig. forbidden. (*Typically: be ~.) • This area is off-limits. You can’t go in there. • Don’t go there. It’s out-of-bounds. • That kind of behavior is off-limits. Stop it!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Beyond established limits, breaking the rules, unreasonable. For example, Calling the teacher a liar? that's out of bounds. This expression alludes to the boundaries of the playing area in numerous sports and to the rules applying to them. Its figurative use dates from the 1940s. [Early 1800s] Also see WITHIN BOUNDS.
American Heritage Idioms