Phrase guide

cross the line

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I can tolerate a lot, but they really crossed the line when they broke the equipment.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go too far, overstep the mark

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To finish a race.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go all the way

Antonyms: fall at the last hurdle

3

verb

Meaning 3

To achieve completion of something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go all the way

Antonyms: fall at the last hurdle

4

verb

Meaning 4

To cross the equator, as a vessel at sea.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To film from the opposite side of an imaginary axis on set in order to view the actors from the opposite direction.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: broadcasting, cinematography, film, media, television

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

30 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: zajít příliš daleko — overstep a boundary
  • Danish: gå over grænsen — overstep a boundary
  • Danish: gå over stregen — overstep a boundary
  • Finnish: mennä liian pitkälle — overstep a boundary
  • French: dépasser les bornes — overstep a boundary
  • German: die Grenze überschreiten — overstep a boundary
  • German: zu weit gehen — overstep a boundary
  • Hebrew: חצה את הקו (khatsá et hakáv) — overstep a boundary
  • Hebrew: עבר את הגבול (avár et hagvúl) — overstep a boundary
  • Hungarian: túlmegy egy határon — overstep a boundary
  • Italian: superare il limite — overstep a boundary
  • Māori: ōatemāka — overstep a boundary
  • Polish: zapominać się — overstep a boundary
  • Polish: zapomnieć się — overstep a boundary
  • Portuguese: passar dos limites — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: propasarse — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasarse de la raya — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasarse de raya — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasar de la raya — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasar de raya — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasarse de rosca — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: pasar de castaño oscuro — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: extralimitarse — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: salirse del tiesto — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: cruzar la línea — overstep a boundary
  • Spanish: cruzarse de la línea — overstep a boundary
  • Swedish: gå överstyr — overstep a boundary
  • Swedish: gå för långt — overstep a boundary
  • Tamil: எல்லை மீறு (ellai mīṟu) — overstep a boundary
  • Ottoman Turkish: آشمق (aşmak) — overstep a boundary