off-limits

American  

[awf-lim-its, of-] / ˈɔfˈlɪm ɪts, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons.

   The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.

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off limits British  

adjective

1. not to be entered; out of bounds

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adverb

1. in or into an area forbidden by regulations

Etymology

Origin of off-limits

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

The Kim regime remains largely off-limits to foreign tourists—except for Russians.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is made from natural gas, and roughly 30% of global exports come from the Middle East, largely through the off-limits Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal

They would also check and update the “no-strike list,” which names civilian targets such as schools and hospitals that are strictly off-limits.

From Salon

No matter how exclusive the party, there’s always a pecking order, and the coolest people—the actors—hang out in a room that’s off-limits.

From The Wall Street Journal

But chaos erupted on Monday evening in the heart of Australia's largest city as police tried to prevent a rally from marching into an area designated off-limits.

From Barron's

Related Words

• banned
• barred
• illegal
• prohibited
• restricted