off-limits
[awf-lim-its, of-]
- forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons: The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.
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Origin of off-limits
An Americanism dating back to 1950–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
restricted, banned, illegal, barred, prohibited, forbidden, illicit, taboo, unlawful, verboten, outlawed, no-noExamples from the Web for off-limits
Contemporary Examples
Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
Unfortunately, the underground tunnels that were used to transport booze and, if necessary, escaping patrons, are off-limits.
Most art worlders are likely, I think, to agree that absolutely nothing should be off-limits for art or literature.
The Life and Art of Radical Provocateur—and Commune Leader—Otto MuehlAnthony Haden-Guest
September 22, 2014
Plus, almost all of the grow rooms in Colorado are currently off-limits to the public.
In other words, “Bad Ass Vodka” and high-end handbags are off-limits.
Historical Examples
Those are complicated machines, those things, and they're off-limits to the likes of you and me.
Little BrotherCory Doctorow
This section of the building was off-limits to the other patients in the Institute, but Stanton, the star border, had free rein.
Anything You Can DoGordon Randall Garrett
Commanders were frequently quizzed on the probable effects of the imposition of off-limits sanctions or base closings.
Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965Morris J. MacGregor, Jr.
Word Origin and History for off-limits
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper