overstep the mark
verb phrase · Idiom / expression C2
Plain meaning
to go beyond what is acceptable or allowed
Exam-register meaning
to exceed acceptable ethical, social, or institutional limits
In context
naturalThe joke overstepped the mark and upset several people.
examSurveillance policies may overstep the mark when they collect data unrelated to public safety.
Common collocations
overstep the markclearly overstep the markrisk overstepping the mark
Watch out
Use mark, not “line”, in this idiom; “cross the line” is a separate idiom.