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out-of-bounds

[ out-uhv-boundz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Sports. being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play.
beyond any established boundaries or prescribed limits; forbidden; prohibited.
further than or beyond established limits, as of behavior or thought.

out of bounds

adjective

often foll by to not to be entered (by); barred (to)
out of bounds to civilians
outside specified or prescribed limits

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Word History and Origins

Origin of out-of-bounds¹

First recorded in 1855–60

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Idioms and Phrases

Beyond established limits, breaking the rules, unreasonable. For example, Calling the teacher a liar—that's out of bounds . This expression alludes to the boundaries of the playing area in numerous sports and to the rules applying to them. Its figurative use dates from the 1940s. [Early 1800s] Also see within bounds .

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

out-of-body experience out of breath

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