ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go too far

idiom
Meaning

To exceed an unstated limit, especially of acceptable behaviour.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please stop joking, you are going too far now.

CONTEXTUAL

The comedian thought his routine was funny, but the audience felt he went too far with his comments about the host.

COMPLEX

While his critique of the policy was initially constructive, his aggressive tone suggested he had gone too far and alienated his most loyal supporters.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a bridge too far

    A step or action that is too ambitious; an act of overreaching.

  2. 02

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  3. 03

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  4. 04

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  5. 05

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  6. 06

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  7. 07

    come and go

    To repeatedly appear and disappear; to be transient.

  8. 08

    don't go there

    Do not broach that topic.

Last updated April 17, 2026