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

H200s are roughly 18 months behind the US company's most state-of-the-art offerings, which will still be off-limits to China.

From Barron's

While it is officially off-limits to U.S. customers, Americans spoofing their locations are able to get access.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Copyrightable aspects of a character’s evolution that appear in later, still-protected works may remain off-limits until those later works themselves expire,” Los Angeles copyright lawyer Aaron Moss said.

From Los Angeles Times

That ruling likely sets the San Francisco case on a collision course with other lawsuits seeking to curb ICE’s incursions into spaces previously considered off-limits.

From Los Angeles Times

Social media, podcasts and other digital platforms help these new brands educate consumers about topics that used to feel off-limits.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• banned
• barred
• illegal
• prohibited
• restricted