overstep the mark
To behave in an unacceptable or morally reprehensible way.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You really overstepped the mark when you insulted my friend.”
“The manager warned the employee that he had overstepped the mark by questioning her authority in front of the team.”
“By accessing private files without permission, the intern clearly overstepped the mark and faced immediate disciplinary action from the board.”
- 01
black mark
Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.
- 02
easy mark
Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.
- 03
get off the mark
To score one's first points
- 04
make one's mark
To make, or leave, a lasting impression, especially to achieve prominent success.
- 05
mark my words
Listen to me; used before or after a statement one wishes to emphasize, especially a prediction.
- 06
mark one's own homework
To assume the role of evaluating one's doings when a disinterested party is required.
- 07
mark someone's card
To forcefully correct someone's behaviour.
- 08
quick off the mark
fast to act or react
Last updated August 10, 2026