cross the line

phrase

: 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.
But how much is too much — and when does helping cross the line into enabling? — Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 In any business, the rise of fame and talent comes with rabid fans who may sometimes cross the line. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 Individual times will be taken as riders cross the line, so look out for squads who stay together as long as possible, and others who plan to let their key riders clip off the front in the latter stages. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026 To Understand Humans Better, Not Manipulate Them Faster At what point does using AI cross the line? — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Rhymes for cross the line

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Browse Nearby Words

cross that bridge when one comes to it
cross the line
cross the picket line
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Cite this Entry

“Cross the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20the%20line. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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