out-of-bounds

American  

[out-uhv-boundz] / ˈaʊt əvˈbaʊndz /

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.

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out of bounds British  

adjective

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

   out of bounds to civilians

2. outside specified or prescribed limits

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out of bounds Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of out-of-bounds

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Her degree also relied on specialist equipment, such as cameras and lighting, which could usually be rented through the university but was also out-of-bounds during Covid.

From BBC

The descent is often in out-of-bounds, ungroomed areas, which tend to be much more challenging to navigate.

From Los Angeles Times

And he’s already planning for some new out-of-bounds plays trying to take advantage of Millogo’s height.

From Los Angeles Times

“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