Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

cross the line

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.88 in modern English

Syllables: cross the -line
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

2

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

verb

To finish a race.

verb

To achieve completion of something.

verb

To cross the equator, as a vessel at sea.

verb

To film from the opposite side of an imaginary axis on set in order to view the actors from the opposite direction.

Example Sentences

"I can tolerate a lot, but they really crossed the line when they broke the equipment."
"I don't even know her But I feel a responsibility to do what's upstanding and right It's kinda like a code, yeah And you've been getting closer and closer, and crossing so many lines"
"Bring me margaritas, champagne and red wine / We're gonna have a party / Where we all cross the line"
"Climate change protesters “crossed the line” between their right to protest and their responsibility towards the rest of the public when they caused huge tailbacks by blocking three key London roads on Monday, the policing minister, Kit Malthouse, has said."

Inflected Forms

crosses the line (present, singular) crossing the line (participle, present) crossed the line (participle, past) crossed the line (past)

Phrases

crossing the line draw the line step out of line

Frequently Paired Words

draw the line step out of line cross a line push the envelope toe the line

Synonyms

go too far overstep the mark go all the way

Antonyms

fall at the last hurdle

Questions

What does cross the line mean?: To overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable.

How to pronounce cross the line

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “cross the line”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “cross the line”.
Repeat and practice — Say “cross the line” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.