out of line

Idioms  

1. Uncalled for, improper; inappropriate. For example, His remarks were totally out of line . It is often put as get out of line or step out of line , meaning “behave improperly,” as in She really stepped out of line when she called him incompetent in front of his boss . [Late 1700s]

2. Not in agreement with general practice, as in Their prices are way out of line with other hotels . Both def. 1 and 2 are metaphoric expressions that transfer being out of alignment to various kinds of behavior.

3. out of one's line ; not in one's line . Not in one's occupation or field of interest. For example, He offered a generous salary, but the work was out of her line , or I'd love to help, but telephone solicitation is not in my line . This usage alludes to line in the sense of “a business or occupation.” [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

In an interview with foreign media on Monday, Katayama stated that Japan has a “free hand” to take action in the currency markets to counter movements that are out of line with economic fundamentals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players.

From BBC

The fireworks display was “out of line with Arc’teryx’s values,” the company said, and it vowed to “change the way we work to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Eddie Jones, who led England from 2016 to 2022, has been criticised by some former players, with retired scrum-half Danny Care saying that, while Jones delivered results, the Australian oversaw a "toxic environment", with players and staff constantly scared of stepping out of line.

From BBC

But it isn’t out of line with Chipotle’s trading history.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disorderly
• drunken
• fractious
• impulsive
• lawless
• ornery
• quarrelsome
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• reckless
• restive
• riotous
• rowdy
• turbulent
• uncontrollable
• unmanageable
• violent
• wayward