# overstep the mark

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/overstep-the-mark
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave in an unacceptable or morally reprehensible way.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.