out-of-bounds

[out-uhv-boundz]

adjective

1. Sports.,  being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play.

2. beyond any established boundaries or prescribed limits; forbidden; prohibited.

3. further than or beyond established limits, as of behavior or thought.

out of bounds

adjective

1. (often foll by to) not to be entered (by); barred (to)

   out of bounds to civilians

2. outside specified or prescribed limits

Word History and Origins

Origin of out of bounds¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Idioms and Phrases

Beyond established limits, breaking the rules, unreasonable. For example, Calling the teacher a liar—that's out of bounds. This expression alludes to the boundaries of the playing area in numerous sports and to the rules applying to them. Its figurative use dates from the 1940s. [Early 1800s] Also see within bounds.

Example Sentences

“An out-of-bounds play, whether it’s offense or defense, could decide whether you go home or not or you move on,” Cronin said.

From Los Angeles Times

James capped the scoring streak with a no-look, alley-oop pass to Jayson Tatum on an out-of-bounds play, zipping the ball toward the rim where the Boston Celtics star slammed it with two hands.

From Los Angeles Times

A double bogey at the second was followed by a bogey on the third, while a wayward out-of-bounds drive on the par-four fourth cost him another shot as his round began to unravel.

From BBC

As the score howls with chant-like dirges, blood, sweat and out-of-bounds fears grip the hapless heroine while spooky, shrouded nuns engage in satanic rituals that place her in very dire circumstances.

From Seattle Times

These conditions were described by Benjamin Kirtman, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami, as “unprecedented,” “alarming” and an “out-of-bounds anomaly.”

From Seattle Times